Associations Between Primary Residence and Mental Health in Global Marginalized Populations

Scholars suggest that marginalized people in non-urban areas experience higher distress levels and fewer psychosocial resources than in urban areas. Researchers have yet to test whether precise proximity to urban centers is associated with mental health for marginalized populations. We recruited 1733 people who reported living in 45 different countries. Participants entered their home locations and completed measures of anxiety, depression, social support, and resilience. Regression and thematic analyses were used to determine what role distance from legislative and urban centers may play in mental health when marginalized people were disaggregated. Greater distance from legislative center predicted higher anxiety and resilience. Greater distance from urban center also predicted more resilience. Thematic analyses yielded five categories (e.g., safety, connection) that further illustrated the impact of geographic location on health. Implications for community mental health are discussed including the need to better understand and further expand resilience in rural areas.

Double-stranded RNAs targeting inhibitor of apoptosis gene show no significant cross-species activity

RNA interference (RNAi) has become an integral part of mainstream research due to its versatility and ease of use. However, the potential nontarget effects associated with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) are poorly understood. To explore this, we used dsRNAs targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis (iap) gene from nine insect species and assayed their possible nontarget effects. For each assay, we used a control (dsRNA targeting the gene coding for green fluorescent protein, GFP) and a species-specific dsRNA targeting nine iap genes in insect species to evaluate target gene knockdown efficiency, apoptosis phenotype in cells and mortality in insects. Our results revealed that dsIAP efficiently knocks down iap gene expression and induces apoptosis phenotype and mortality in target insect species. In contrast, no significant knockdown of the iap gene expression, apoptosis phenotypes, or mortality were detected in cell lines developed from nontarget insects or nontarget insects treated with dsIAPs. Interestingly, even among closely related insects such as stink bugs, Nezara viridula, Halyomorpha halys, and Murgantia histrionica, with substantial sequence similarity among iap genes from these insects, no significant nontarget effects of dsIAP were observed under the conditions tested. These data demonstrate no significant nontarget effects for dsIAPs and suggest that the threat of nontarget effects of RNAi technology may not be substantial.

Inhibitor of apoptosis is an effective target gene for RNAi-mediated control of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is one of the most notorious and difficult to control pests of potato and other solanaceous crops in North America. This insect has evolved a remarkable ability to detoxify both plant and synthetic toxins, allowing it to feed on solanaceous plants containing toxic alkaloids and to develop resistance to synthetic chemicals used for its control. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism that evolved as an immune response to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses where dsRNA triggers silencing of target gene expression. RNAi is being developed as a method to control CPB. Here, we evaluated four CPB-specific genes to identify targets for RNAi-mediated control of this insect. Out of the four dsRNAs evaluated in CPB larvae and adults, dsIAP (dsRNA targeting inhibitor of apoptosis, iap gene) performed better than dsActin, dsHSP70, and dsDynamin in inducing larval mortality. However, in adults, the mortality induced by dsActin is significantly higher than the mortality induced by dsIAP, dsHSP70, and dsDynamin. Interestingly, a combination of dsIAP and dsActin performed better than either dsIAP or dsActin alone by inducing feeding inhibition in 24 hr and mortality in 48 hr in larvae. When the dsIAP and dsActin were expressed in the Escherichia coli HT115 strain and applied as a heat-killed bacterial spray on potato plants, it protected the plants from CPB damage. These studies show that the combination of dsIAP and dsActin shows promise as an insecticide to control CPB.

Transport of orally delivered dsRNA in southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula

The southern green stink bug (SGSB, Nezara viridula) is an emerging polyphagous pest in many regions of the world. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable method for understanding gene function and holds great potential for pest management. However, RNAi efficiency is variable among insects and the differences in transport of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) are one of the major factors that contribute to this variability. In this study, Cy3 labeled dsRNA was used to track the transport of dsRNA in SGSB tissues. Cy3_dsRNA was detected in the hemocytes, fat body (FB), epidermis, and midgut tissues at 24-72 hr after injection. Orally delivered Cy3_dsRNA or Cypher-5E labeled dsRNA was mostly detected in the midgut and a few signals were detected in parts of the FB and epidermis. Both injected and fed Cy3_dsRNA showed stronger signals in SGSB tissues when compared to Cy3_siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Cy3_shRNA (short hairpin RNA). dsRNA targeting the gene for a vacuolar-sorting protein, SNF7, induced higher knockdown of the target gene and greater SGSB mortality compared to siRNA or shRNA targeting this gene. ³² P-labeled dsRNA injected into SGSB was processed into siRNA, but fed ³² P-labeled dsRNA was not efficiently processed into siRNA. These data suggest that transport of orally delivered dsRNA across the midgut epithelium is not efficient in SGSB which may contribute to variable RNAi efficiency. Targeting genes expressed in the midgut rather than other tissues and using dsRNA instead of siRNA or shRNA would be more effective for RNAi-mediated control of this pest.

Development of RNAi methods to control the harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica

The harlequin bug (HB), Murgantia histrionica, is a major pest of cabbage family plants throughout its range in the United States. RNA interference (RNAi) is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that is showing promise as a biopesticide due to the ability to target species-specific genes necessary for growth and/or survival with synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In the present study, dsRNA stability assays revealed that nucleases present in the saliva of harlequin bugs did not rapidly degrade dsRNA. We tracked the movement and localization of radioactively labeled dsRNA in both mustard plant seedlings and harlequin bug nymphs that fed on treated host plants. Movement of ³² P-labeled-dsRNA from soil to plant and plant to insect was detected. The efficacy of RNAi in inducing mortality in harlequin bug adults and nymphs injected or fed with dsRNA targeting inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), ATPase N2B (ATPase), serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit (PP1), signal recognition particle 54 kDa protein (SRP), and G protein-coupled receptor 161-like (GPCR) genes was evaluated. Injection of dsRNA targeting candidate genes into adults caused between 40% and 75% mortality and induced significant knockdown of target gene expression. Feeding dsRNA targeting the IAP gene to nymphs by plant-mediated and droplet feeding methods induced knockdown of the target gene and caused 40-55% mortality. These findings suggest that RNAi may be a viable approach for managing this pest.

Genome editing in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda: Multiple sgRNA/Cas9 method for identification of knockouts in one generation

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an efficient genome editing method that can be used in functional genomics research. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious agricultural pest that has spread over most of the world. However, very little information is available on functional genomics for this insect. We performed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific mutagenesis of three target genes: two marker genes [Biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1 subunit 2 (BLOS2) and tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase (TO)], and a developmental gene, E93 (a key ecdysone-induced transcription factor that promotes adult development). The knockouts (KO) of BLOS2, TO and E93 induced translucent mosaic integument, olive eye color, and larval-pupal intermediate phenotypes, respectively. Sequencing RNA isolated from wild-type and E93 KO insects showed that E93 promotes adult development by influencing the expression of the genes coding for transcription factor, Krüppel homolog 1, the pupal specifier, Broad-Complex, serine proteases, and heat shock proteins. Often, gene-edited insects display mosaicism in which only a fraction of the cells are edited as intended, and establishing a homozygous line is both costly and time-consuming. To overcome these limitations, a method to completely KO the target gene in S. frugiperda by injecting the Cas9 protein and multiple sgRNAs targeting one exon of the E93 gene into embryos was developed. Ten percent of the G0 larvae exhibited larval-pupal intermediates. The mutations were confirmed by T7E1 assay, and the mutation frequency was determined as >80%. Complete KO of the E93 gene was achieved in one generation using the multiple sgRNA method, demonstrating a powerful approach to improve genome editing in lepidopteran and other non-model insects.

Development of CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles to enhance RNAi efficiency in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Mosquito-borne diseases are a major threat to human health and are responsible for millions of deaths globally each year. Vector control is one of the most important approaches used in reducing the incidence of these diseases. However, increasing mosquito resistance to chemical insecticides presents challenges to this approach. Therefore, new strategies are necessary to develop the next generation vector control methods. Because of the target specificity of dsRNA, RNAi-based control measures are an attractive alternative to current insecticides used to control disease vectors. In this study, Chitosan (CS) was cross-linked to sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) to produce nano-sized polyelectrolyte complexes with dsRNA. CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method. The encapsulation efficiency, protection of dsRNA from nucleases, cellular uptake, in vivo biodistribution, larval mortality and gene knockdown efficiency of CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles were determined. The results showed that at a 5:1 weight ratio of CS-TPP to dsRNA, nanoparticles of less than 200 nm mean diameter and a positive surface charge were formed. Confocal microscopy revealed the distribution of the fed CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles in midgut, fat body and epidermis of yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti larvae. Bioassays showed significant mortality of larvae fed on CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles. These assays also showed knockdown of a target gene in CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticle fed larvae. These data suggest that CS-TPP nanoparticles may be used for delivery of dsRNA to mosquito larvae.

Service evaluation of patients with orofacial granulomatosis and patients with oral Crohn's disease attending a paediatric oral medicine clinic

AIM

Presenting features associated with orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) and oral Crohn's disease (OCD) are varied, making successful diagnosis and management difficult. The aim of this service evaluation was to establish a profile of patients with these conditions attending a paediatric oral medicine clinic and to determine their overall satisfaction with the care received.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case note analysis to establish the patient profile and a postal patient satisfaction questionnaire for service evaluation.

METHODS

All patients with OFG and OCD who had attended the joint paediatric dentistry/oral medicine clinic at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield in the previous 14 years were included in the study. Hospital case notes were retrospectively reviewed and patient demographics, clinical features, investigations, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of treatment were recorded. An anonymous patient satisfaction questionnaire using the Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM) was distributed to all patients by mail.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients (13 females and 11 males) were identified. Median age at presentation was 11 years (SD± 3.79, range 2-15). Fifteen patients (63%) were diagnosed with OCD, and 9 (37%) with OFG. Overall, the most common orofacial feature was oral ulceration (75%) followed by lip/facial swelling (71%), angular cheilitis (67%) and mucosal cobblestoning (67%). Differences in presentation were seen between the two conditions with oral ulceration (87%) and mucosal cobblestoning (80%) being the most frequently observed features of OCD and lip swelling (78%) and angular cheilitis (67%) being the most common features of OFG. 58% of patients reported relief of symptoms through treatment. Thirteen patient satisfaction questionnaires were completed (54%). 85% (n=11) felt the overall care received in the clinic was 'excellent'.

CONCLUSIONS

This service evaluation highlights the variety of presenting features of OFG and OCD. Despite only a moderate response to treatment, patient satisfaction with the service was high, emphasising the importance of good communication when managing children with chronic, debilitating conditions.

Developmental changes in sensitivity of bovine embryos to heat shock and use of antioxidants as thermoprotectants

Experiments were conducted with in vitro-produced bovine embryos to determine whether 1) increased culture temperatures (i.e., heat shock) adversely affected embryonic development, 2) embryos become more resistant to heat shock as they advance in development, and 3) selective antioxidant molecules alleviate heat shock effects on embryonic development. Development of 2-cell embryos to > or = 16-cell stage on d 5 after in vitro fertilization was not affected by a heat shock of 40 degrees C for 3 h, but 41 or 42 degrees C for 3 h decreased (P = .004) development. In a separate experiment, development of 2-cell embryos was decreased (P = .01) by exposure to 41 degrees C for 3 h but not for 1 h. In contrast, development of morulae to blastocysts was not affected by heat shock of 41 degrees C for 1 or 3 h. Medium supplementation with 50 nM glutathione or 50 mM taurine before heat shock did not reduce the effects of heat shock (41 degrees C for 3 h) on 2-cell embryos. Likewise, addition of glutathione ester, a more membrane-permeable analog of glutathione, did not protect 2-cell embryos from heat shock. In conclusion, early bovine embryos are susceptible to disruption in development caused by heat shock. As embryos progress in development, they acquire resistance to heat shock. Glutathione, taurine, and glutathione ester were not effective in alleviating the effects of heat shock on development of 2-cell embryos. Consequently, molecules have yet to be identified that can protect early-stage bovine embryos from the adverse effects of heat shock.

Corpus luteum growth and function in lactating Holstein cows during spring and summer

Corpus luteum growth and function were monitored daily for a complete estrous cycle by ultrasonography and peripheral serum progesterone in lactating, cyclic Holstein cows during spring (n = 8) and summer (n = 8). For spring and summer, respectively, daily ambient temperatures (mean +/- SEM) were 21.2 +/- .9 and 31.1 +/- .3 degrees C. In summer compared with spring, early morning rectal temperatures were higher on d 1, 2, and 3, when the corpus luteum was forming, and on d 15 and 19. The length of the luteal phase and the corpus luteum cross-sectional area were similar for the two seasonal groups. Central luteal cavities were observed during spring and summer. Serum progesterone secreted between d 6 and 18 was lower during summer. In addition, progesterone concentrations during the entire luteal phase and the peak magnitude of progesterone tended to be lower during summer. Suppressed luteal function may contribute to low fertility when cows are inseminated during summer.

Courtesy stigma: the social implications of associating with a gay person

We investigated the operation of courtesy stigma with American male college students who reacted to a fictitious male student described as gay, rooming by choice with a gay male student, involuntarily assigned to room with a gay, or rooming with a male heterosexual. Among respondents who expressed strong intolerance of gays, the voluntary associate of a gay was perceived as having homosexual tendencies and as possessing the same stereotyped personality traits attributed to a gay. No such courtesy stigma was attached to the involuntary associate of a gay by these respondents. Relatively tolerant respondents engaged in no courtesy stigmatization at all. Thus, courtesy stigmatization occurred only under circumscribed conditions and appeared to depend more on the tendency of highly intolerant individuals to infer that a male student who apparently liked a gay individual was himself gay than on a motivation to maintain cognitive consistency.