Chemical ecology and management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) feeds on grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), reducing yield and increasing susceptibility to fungal infections. L. botrana is among the most economically important insects in Europe and has recently been found in vineyards in Chile, Argentina, and California. Here, we review L. botrana biology and behavior in relation to its larval host (the grapevine) and its natural enemies. We also discuss current and future control strategies in light of our knowledge of chemical ecology, with an emphasis on the use of the sex pheromone-based strategies as an environmentally safe management approach. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption is the most promising technique available on grapes and is currently implemented on approximately 140,000 ha in Europe. Experience from several growing areas confirms the importance of collaboration between research, extension, growers, and pheromone-supply companies for the successful implementation of the mating disruption technique. In the vineyards where mating disruption has been successfully applied as an areawide strategy, the reduction in insecticide use has improved the quality of life for growers, consumers, as well as the public living near wine-growing areas and has thereby reduced the conflict between agricultural and urban communities.

Listeria monocytogenes Sequence Types 121 and 14 Repeatedly Isolated Within One Year of Sampling in a Rabbit Meat Processing Plant: Persistence and Ecophysiology

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen adapted to survive and persist in multiple environments. Following two previous studies on prevalence and virulence of L. monocytogenes ST121 and ST14 repeatedly collected in a the same rabbit-meat processing plant, the research questions of the present study were to: (1) assess persistence of L. monocytogenes isolates from the rabbit-plant; (2) select genes associated to physiological adaptation to the food-processing environment; (3) compare presence/absence/truncation of these genes in newly sequenced and publicly available ST121 and ST14 genomes. A total of 273 draft genomes including ST121 and ST14 newly sequenced and publicly available draft genomes were analyzed. Whole-genome Single Nucleotide Polymorfism (wgSNP) analysis was performed separately on the assemblies of ST121 and ST14 draft genomes. SNPs alignments were used to infer phylogeny. A dataset of L. monocytogenes ecophysiology genes was built based on a comprehensive literature review. The 94 selected genes were screened on the assemblies of all ST121 and ST14 draft genomes. Significant gene enrichments were evaluated by statistical analyses. A persistent ST14 clone, including 23 out of 27 newly sequenced genomes, was circulating in the rabbit-meat plant along with two not persistent clones. A significant enrichment was observed in ST121 genomes concerning stress survival islet 2 (SSI-2) (alkaline and oxidative stress), qacH gene (resistance to benzalkonium chloride), cadA1C gene cassette (resistance to 70 mg/l of cadmium chloride) and a truncated version of actA gene (biofilm formation). Conversely, ST14 draft genomes were enriched with a full-length version of actA gene along with the Listeria Genomic Island 2 (LGI 2) including the ars operon (arsenic resistance) and the cadA4C gene cassette (resistance to 35 mg/l of cadmium chloride). Phenotypic tests confirmed ST121 as a weak biofilm producer in comparison to ST14. In conclusion, ST121 carried the qacH gene and was phenotypically resistant to quaternary ammonium compounds. This property might contribute to the high prevalence of ST121 in food processing plants. ST14 showed greater ability to form biofilms, which might contribute to the occasional colonization and persistence on harborage sites where sanitizing procedures are difficult to display.

Safety and efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Ileus is common after elective colorectal surgery, and is associated with increased adverse events and prolonged hospital stay. The aim was to assess the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing ileus after surgery.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre cohort study was delivered by an international, student- and trainee-led collaborative group. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The primary outcome was time to gastrointestinal recovery, measured using a composite measure of bowel function and tolerance to oral intake. The impact of NSAIDs was explored using Cox regression analyses, including the results of a centre-specific survey of compliance to enhanced recovery principles. Secondary safety outcomes included anastomotic leak rate and acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

A total of 4164 patients were included, with a median age of 68 (i.q.r. 57-75) years (54·9 per cent men). Some 1153 (27·7 per cent) received NSAIDs on postoperative days 1-3, of whom 1061 (92·0 per cent) received non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. After adjustment for baseline differences, the mean time to gastrointestinal recovery did not differ significantly between patients who received NSAIDs and those who did not (4·6 versus 4·8 days; hazard ratio 1·04, 95 per cent c.i. 0·96 to 1·12; P = 0·360). There were no significant differences in anastomotic leak rate (5·4 versus 4·6 per cent; P = 0·349) or acute kidney injury (14·3 versus 13·8 per cent; P = 0·666) between the groups. Significantly fewer patients receiving NSAIDs required strong opioid analgesia (35·3 versus 56·7 per cent; P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

NSAIDs did not reduce the time for gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery, but they were safe and associated with reduced postoperative opioid requirement.

Intraperitoneal drain placement and outcomes after elective colorectal surgery: international matched, prospective, cohort study

Background

Many surgeons routinely place intraperitoneal drains after elective colorectal surgery. However, enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines recommend against their routine use owing to a lack of clear clinical benefit. This study aimed to describe international variation in intraperitoneal drain placement and the safety of this practice.

Methods

COMPASS (COMPlicAted intra-abdominal collectionS after colorectal Surgery) was a prospective, international, cohort study which enrolled consecutive adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery (February to March 2020). The primary outcome was the rate of intraperitoneal drain placement. Secondary outcomes included: rate and time to diagnosis of postoperative intraperitoneal collections; rate of surgical site infections (SSIs); time to discharge; and 30-day major postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grade at least III). After propensity score matching, multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to estimate the independent association of the secondary outcomes with drain placement.

Results

Overall, 1805 patients from 22 countries were included (798 women, 44.2 per cent; median age 67.0 years). The drain insertion rate was 51.9 per cent (937 patients). After matching, drains were not associated with reduced rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95 per cent c.i. 0.79 to 2.23; P = 0.287) or earlier detection (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 0.33 to 2.31; P = 0.780) of collections. Although not associated with worse major postoperative complications (OR 1.09, 0.68 to 1.75; P = 0.709), drains were associated with delayed hospital discharge (HR 0.58, 0.52 to 0.66; P < 0.001) and an increased risk of SSIs (OR 2.47, 1.50 to 4.05; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intraperitoneal drain placement after elective colorectal surgery is not associated with earlier detection of postoperative collections, but prolongs hospital stay and increases SSI risk.

Complications after gastroplasty and gastric bypass as a primary operation and as a reoperation

BACKGROUND

Since 1991 we performed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) as our surgical treatment of choice for morbid obesity in 680 patients, and since 1996 we also performed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 36 patients. For revisional surgery, the surgeons chose procedures based on their experience.

METHODS

We recorded early complications (0.6%) and late complications (8.5%) after the primary operations. When staple-line disruption or stenosis of the banded stoma occurred after VBG, revisional surgery was performed with re-VBG or conversion to RYGBP. Some early complications needed emergency operation for bleeding or gastric perforation.

RESULTS

Mortality was zero. Reoperation with re-VBG and RYGBP was effective in all patients, but for many, a long stay in hospital was necessary because reoperation had a high rate of early and late complications, 33.8% and 21.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of complications after VBG with re-VBG and RYGBP had danger. We believe that when VBG failure occurs, to avoid dangerous complications again, we should perform a biliopancreatic diversion, which does not involve a gastric restriction.

Impact of a probiotic-based cleaning product on the microbiological profile of broiler litters and chicken caeca microbiota

This study investigated for the first time the decontamination efficacy of a probiotic-based cleaning product containing Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus megaterium spores on fresh and reused broiler litters during 3 rearing cycles of 6 wk each. Moreover, the impact of reused litters treated with the cleaning product on the chicken caeca microbiota was assessed at the end of the rearing cycles in comparison to untreated litter. The Bacillus spores provided with the cleaning treatment were able to successfully colonize the reused poultry litters, decreasing the mean counts of total aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and coagulase positive Staphylococci. The decrease of Enterobacteriaceae, mainly represented by the genus Escherichia, was also observed in the caeca of broilers reared on reused litters treated with the cleaning product. Moreover, the treatment retained the caeca content of Ruminococcaceae and Faecalibacterium as well as the level of biodiversity among the bacteria genera colonizing the caeca of animals reared on reused litter. Overall, the results of this study highlight a positive effect of the probiotic-based cleaning strategy on the microbial decontamination of reused litters and on broiler caeca stability, thereby enhancing animal health and prevention of poultry diseases.

Anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal surgery: a prospective multicentre observational study on use of the Dutch leakage score, serum procalcitonin and serum C-reactive protein for diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to test use of the Dutch leakage score (DLS), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after elective colorectal resection in a prospective observational study.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection with anastomosis in 19 centres were enrolled over a 1-year period from September 2017. The DLS and CRP and PCT levels were evaluated on postoperative day (POD) 2, POD3 and POD6. Statistical analysis, including determination of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), was performed for the primary endpoint of AL; secondary endpoints were morbidity and mortality rates ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03560180).

RESULTS

Among 1546 patients enrolled, the AL rate was 4·9 per cent. Morbidity and mortality rates were 30·2 and 1·3 per cent respectively. With respect to AL, DLS performed better than CRP and PTC levels on POD2 and POD3 (AUC 0·75 and 0·84), whereas CRP levels were documented with better AUC values on POD6 (AUC 0·81). Morbidity was poorly predicted, whereas mortality was best predicted by PCT on POD2 (AUC 0·83) and by DLS on POD3 and POD6 (AUC 0·87 and 0·98 respectively). Overall, the combination of positive PCT, CRP and DLS values resulted in a probability of AL of 21·3 per cent on POD2, 33·4 per cent on POD3, and 47·1 per cent on POD6. However, the combination of their negative values excluded AL in 99·0 per cent of cases on POD2, 99·3 per cent on POD3, and 99·2 per cent on POD6.

CONCLUSION

DLS and CRP level are good positive and excellent negative predictors of AL; the addition of PCT improved the predictive value for diagnosis of AL.

Ultrasound and molecular mid-trimester prenatal diagnosis of de novo achondroplasia

In a low-risk pregnant patient at 21 weeks' gestation, ultrasound revealed shortening of fetal long bones compatible with achondroplasia. Funipuncture was performed and DNA analysis of fetal blood demonstrated the presence of the GR380R fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), which is specifically associated with achondroplasia. After termination of the pregnancy, necropsy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. A certain sonographic diagnosis of fetal de novo achondroplasia is rarely possible prior to viability. The specificity of the FGFR3 causative mutation has added a new diagnostic option which can be applied prenatally for diagnostic validation.

Listeria monocytogenes Circulating in Rabbit Meat Products and Slaughterhouses in Italy: Prevalence Data and Comparison Among Typing Results

Rabbit meat has outstanding dietetic and nutritional properties. However, few data on microbiological hazards associated with rabbit productions are available. In this study, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes was determined in 430 rabbit carcasses, 256 rabbit meat cuts and products, and 599 environmental sponges collected from four Italian rabbit slaughterhouses over a period of 1 year. Prevalence of L. monocytogenes among the 1285 rabbit meat and environmental samples was 11%, with statistically significant differences between slaughterhouses. The highest prevalence (33.6%) was observed in rabbit meat cuts and products; the majority of positive environmental samples were collected from conveyor belts. Overall, 27.9% and 14.3% of rabbit cuts and carcasses, respectively, had L. monocytogenes counts higher than 1 colony-forming unit (CFU)/10 g. A selection of 123 isolates from positive samples was genotyped and serotyped to determine genetic profiles and diversity among L. monocytogenes isolates contaminating different slaughterhouses and classes of products investigated. Discriminatory power and concordance among the results obtained using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), automated EcoRI ribotyping, and serotyping were assessed. The isolates selected for typing were classified into serotypes 1/2a (52.8%), 1/2c (32.5%), and 1/2b (14.6%). The majority of the isolates were classified as ST14 (34.1%), ST9 (35.5%), ST121 (17.9%), and ST224 (14.6%). The greatest discriminatory power was observed with the MLVA typing, followed by MLST, PFGE, and ribotyping. The best bidirectional concordance was achieved between PFGE and MLST. There was 100% correlation between both MLST and MLVA with serotype. Moreover, a high unidirectional correspondence was observed between MLVA and both MLST and PFGE, as well as between PFGE and both MLST and serotyping. The results of this study show for the first time in Italy prevalence and genetic profiles of L. monocytogenes isolated in rabbit products and slaughterhouses.

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function.

METHODS

A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

RESULTS

A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9·2 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4-7) and 7 (6-8) days respectively (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6·6 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·55 to 1·46; P = 0·659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34·7 versus 39·5 per cent; major 3·3 versus 3·4 per cent; P = 0·110).

CONCLUSION

Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients.

Whole genome sequencing for typing and characterisation of Listeria monocytogenes isolated in a rabbit meat processing plant

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen able to survive and grow in different environments including food processing plants where it can persist for month or years. In the present study the discriminatory power of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based analysis (cgMLST) was compared to that of molecular typing methods on 34 L. monocytogenes isolates collected over one year in the same rabbit meat processing plant and belonging to three genotypes (ST14, ST121, ST224). Each genotype included isolates indistinguishable by standard molecular typing methods. The virulence potential of all isolates was assessed by Multi Virulence-Locus Sequence Typing (MVLST) and the investigation of a representative database of virulence determinant genes. The whole genome of each isolate was sequenced on a MiSeq platform. The cgMLST, MVLST, and in silico identification of virulence genes were performed using publicly available tools. Draft genomes included a number of contigs ranging from 13 to 28 and N50 ranging from 456298 to 580604. The coverage ranged from 41 to 187X. The cgMLST showed a significantly superior discriminatory power only in comparison to ribotyping, nevertheless it allows the detection of two singletons belonging to ST14 that were not observed by other molecular methods. All ST14 isolates belonged to VT107, which 7-loci concatenated sequence differs for only 4 nucleotides to VT1 (Epidemic clone III). Analysis of virulence genes showed the presence of a fulllength inlA version in all ST14 isolates and of a mutated version including a premature stop codon (PMSC) associated to attenuated virulence in all ST121 isolates.

Application of MALDI-TOF MS for the subtyping of Arcobacter butzleri strains and comparison with their MLST and PFGE types

For the first time, this study evaluated the use of MALDI-TOF as a typing tool for Arcobacter butzleri. A total of 104 A. butzleri strains isolated from different sources in an artisanal dairy plant in Italy were identified and typed using MALDI-TOF and compared with their multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles found in previous studies. MALDI-TOF correctly identified all the isolates to species level. No clearly delineated clusters appeared on dendrograms based on either the complete spectra or the significant peaks, but nine clusters were defined using the cophenetic correlation. Interestingly, MALDI-TOF proved able to discriminate A. butzleri strains below species level, confirming its potential use for epidemiological surveys. As expected, the comparative analysis with PFGE and MLST showed that the discriminatory index was lower for MALDI-TOF but roughly comparable to sequence types and pulsotypes. MALDI-TOF appears to be a relatively low cost answer to the urgent need for more rapid, less expensive typing tools suitable for source attribution studies, readily allowing multiple typing methods to be combined. This study provides insights into MALDI-TOF as potential epidemiological tool. Its application in healthcare surveillance systems awaits further exploration to encourage interaction and convergence studies between primary care in humans and animal and food veterinary authorities as part of the One Health concept.

Study on the role of olfaction in host plant detection of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) nymphs

The American grapevine leafhopper, Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is the vector of the phytoplasma that causes Flavescence dorée, one of the most threatening grapevine yellows disease. The role of olfaction in host plant detection of this species is still unknown. In this study, the attractiveness of a host plant, the grapevine rootstock Vitis riparia x rupestris 101/14, to nymphs was verified through behavioral bioassays in a vertical glass Y-olfactometer. Furthermore, the olfactory sensitivity to odors extracted from grapevine organs headspace and the external morphology of the antennae were studied by electroantennography (EAG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Headspace collections were made from fresh apical shoots and leaves. Concentrated extracts were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify volatile compounds. In EAG experiments, weak responses to plant odors were recorded. SEM observations indicated the presence of few antennal sensilla, potentially associated with olfaction. Our results suggest that olfactory cues may play a role in the host plant detection of S. titanus nymphs.

Microbiological profile of chicken carcasses: A comparative analysis using shotgun metagenomic sequencing

In the last few years metagenomic and 16S rRNA sequencing have completly changed the microbiological investigations of food products. In this preliminary study, the microbiological profile of chicken carcasses collected from animals fed with different diets were tested by using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. A total of 15 carcasses have been collected at the slaughetrhouse at the end of the refrigeration tunnel from chickens reared for 35 days and fed with a control diet (n=5), a diet supplemented with 1500 FTU/kg of commercial phytase (n=5) and a diet supplemented with 1500 FTU/kg of commercial phytase and 3g/kg of inositol (n=5). Ten grams of neck and breast skin were obtained from each carcass and submited to total DNA extraction by using the DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen). Sequencing libraries have been prepared by using the Nextera XT DNA Library Preparation Kit (Illumina) and sequenced in a HiScanSQ (Illumina) at 100 bp in paired ends. A number of sequences ranging between 5 and 9 million was obtained for each sample. Sequence analysis showed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes represented more than 98% of whole bacterial populations associated to carcass skin in all groups but their abundances were different between groups. Moraxellaceae and other degradative bacteria showed a significantly higher abundance in the control compared to the treated groups. Furthermore, Clostridium perfringens showed a relative frequency of abundance significantly higher in the group fed with phytase and Salmonella enterica in the group fed with phytase plus inositol. The results of this preliminary study showed that metagenome sequencing is suitable to investigate and monitor carcass microbiota in order to detect specific pathogenic and/or degradative populations.

The resistome of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from broiler carcasses “produced without the use of antibiotics”

Several strategies have been in place in food animal production to reduce the unnecessary use of antimicrobial agents. Beyond the monitoring of their use, the evaluation of the effect of these strategies on the occurrence and types of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated genes is crucial to untangle the potential emergence and spread of AMR to humans through the food chain. In the present study, the occurrence of these genes was evaluated in commensal Escherichia coli isolated from broiler carcasses “produced without the use of antibiotics” in 3 antibiotic-free (AB-free) farms in Italy in 2019. Sequenced data were analyzed along with publicly available genomes of E. coli collected in Italy from the broiler food chain from previous years (2017–2018). The genetic relationships among all 93 genomes were assessed on de novo assemblies by in silico MLST and SNP calling. Moreover, the resistomes of all genomes were investigated. According to SNP calling, genomes were gathered in three clades. Clade A encompassed, among others, ST117, ST8070, and ST1011 genomes. ST10 belonged to clade B, whereas Clade C included ST58, ST297, ST1101, and ST23 among others. Regarding the occurrence of AMR genes, a statistically significant lower occurrence of these genes in the genomes of this study in comparison to the public genomes was observed considering the whole group of genes as well as genes specifically conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, phenicols, trimethoprim, and lincosamides. Moreover, significant reductions were observed by comparing the whole group of AMR associated mutations, as well as those specifically for fluoroquinolones and fosfomycin resistance. Although the identification of 3° generation cephalosporin resistance associated genes in AB-free E. coli is a concern, this study provides a first indication of the impact of a more prudent use of antimicrobial agents on the occurrence of AMR genes in Italian broiler production chain. More studies are needed in next years on a higher number of genomes to confirm this preliminary observation.

Preliminary data on the antimicrobial effect of Cannabis sativa L. variety Futura 75 against food-borne pathogens in vitro as well as against naturally occurring microbial populations on minced meat during storage

In the present study, the antimicrobial effect of Cannabis sativa Futura 75 was evaluated both in vitro against foodborne bacterial pathogens, and on food against naturally occurring microbial groups of minced meat stored for 8 days at 4°C. Ethanol extraction was performed on the grind of the inflorescence. After extraction, ethanol was completely evaporated and substituted by water. Serial dilutions of the extract, the grind and cannabidiol 99% were added to Nutrient Agar and spotted with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. Regarding the evaluation on food, 50 mL of extract, characterised by CBD at concentration of 322,70 μg/mL, were added to 2.5 kg of minced beef meat. Meat was divided into aliquots and stored for 8 days at 4°C. At 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 days, aerobic bacteria, enterobacteria, coliforms and E. coli were enumerated. All tested products were efficient against Gram +. In particular, extract corresponding to CBD concentration of 0.017 and 0.3 mg/mL were effective against L. monocytogenes and Staphylococcus spp. respectively. After 8 days of storage at 4°C, treated minced meat showed a bright red colour in comparison to a brownish control meat. Moreover, Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms were significantly reduced of 2.3 log CFU/g and 1.6 log CFU/g respectively in treated meat in comparison to the control. Although preliminary, the present study suggests the antimicrobial properties of the extract of Cannabis sativa both in vitro and in minced meat.

The courtship song of fanning males in the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In this paper we describe acoustically the wing-fanning behaviour showed by the male of the braconid Psyttalia concolor towards females and other conspecific males. Psyttalia concolor is a synovigenic koinobiont larval-pupal endoparasitoid of many Tephritidae, used in olive crops to control the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae. In this braconid male wing fanning produces a courtship song characterised by sequences of homogenous pulses with harmonic structure and a fundamental frequency of about 180 Hz. Song parameters can vary according to the behavioural context. Statistically significant differences, both in terms of pulse frequency and duration, characterise fanning towards females in comparison with male-male approaches. Moreover, the pulse duration is associated with the fanning song displayed before a successful courtship. Our observations allowed us to define the airborne component of the sound and to definitely confirm the exclusive role of the wings in signal production within sexual communication in P. concolor.

Whole genome sequencing based typing and characterisation of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli strains belonging to O157 and O26 serotypes and isolated in dairy farms

In the present study, the genetic relationships as well as the virulome and resistome of newly sequenced O26 and O157 Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) isolates, collected from dairy farms in Italy, were investigated in comparison to publicly available genomes collected worldwide. The whole genome of Italian isolates was sequenced on Illumina MiSeq Platform. Reads quality control, de novo draft genome assembly, species confirmation and the 7- loci Multi-Locus Sequence Type assignment were performed using INNUca pipeline. Reference-based SNPs calling was performed on O157 and O26 genomes, separately, mapping contigs to high-quality finished genomes. Virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants were detected in silico using the tool ABRicate. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed that genomes clustered mainly based on their 7-loci MLST type. The virulome of tested genomes included 190 determinants. O157 genomes carried chu genes associated to heme mediated iron uptake, whereas O26 genomes harboured genes ybt associated to siderophore mediated iron uptake. Resistome analysis showed the presence of tet(34) on all but one O157 genomes and on only one O26 genomes. Only 4 genomes carried genes associated to multiresistance. In the present study, the genes chu and ybt were identified as potential biomarker for the differentiation of O157 and O26 serotypes.

Impacts of standard wine-making process on the survival of Lobesia botrana larvae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in infested grape clusters

To determine the risk winery waste poses for the spread of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in California, we evaluated the survival of larvae in artificially infested grape clusters (Vitis vinifera L.) processed for wine making. The trial consisted of five treatments: whole cluster pressing to 1 bar (100,000 Pa); whole cluster pressing to 2 bars (200,000 Pa); destemming and berry pressing to 1 bar; destemming and berry pressing to 2 bars; and control. Each treatment was replicated with the following five winegrape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Yellow Muscat, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All winery waste was inspected for larval survival. No live larvae were recovered from any of the treatments in all five varieties; therefore, the hypothesis that green winery waste contributes to the spread of L. botrana was rejected.