Novel biopesticide based on a spider venom peptide shows no adverse effects on honeybees

Evidence is accumulating that commonly used pesticides are linked to decline of pollinator populations; adverse effects of three neonicotinoids on bees have led to bans on their use across the European Union. Developing insecticides that pose negligible risks to beneficial organisms such as honeybees is desirable and timely. One strategy is to use recombinant fusion proteins containing neuroactive peptides/proteins linked to a ‘carrier’ protein that confers oral toxicity. Hv1a/GNA ( Galanthus nivalis agglutinin), containing an insect-specific spider venom calcium channel blocker (ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a) linked to snowdrop lectin (GNA) as a ‘carrier’, is an effective oral biopesticide towards various insect pests. Effects of Hv1a/GNA towards a non-target species, Apis mellifera , were assessed through a thorough early-tier risk assessment. Following feeding, honeybees internalized Hv1a/GNA, which reached the brain within 1 h after exposure. However, survival was only slightly affected by ingestion (LD 50 > 100 µg bee −1 ) or injection of fusion protein. Bees fed acute (100 µg bee −1 ) or chronic (0.35 mg ml −1 ) doses of Hv1a/GNA and trained in an olfactory learning task had similar rates of learning and memory to no-pesticide controls. Larvae were unaffected, being able to degrade Hv1a/GNA. These tests suggest that Hv1a/GNA is unlikely to cause detrimental effects on honeybees, indicating that atracotoxins targeting calcium channels are potential alternatives to conventional pesticides.

Download Full-text

Molecular diversity and evolutionary trends of cysteine-rich peptides from the venom glands of Chinese spider Heteropoda venatoria

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-82668-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jie Luo ◽

Yiying Ding ◽

Zhihao Peng ◽

Kezhi Chen ◽

Xuewen Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Expressed Sequence Tags ◽

Molecular Diversity ◽

Insect Pests ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Spider Venom ◽

Evolutionary Trends ◽

The Family ◽

Venom Glands ◽

Venom Evolution ◽

Expressed Sequence

AbstractHeteropoda venatoria in the family Sparassidae is highly valued in pantropical countries because the species feed on domestic insect pests. Unlike most other species of Araneomorphae, H. venatoria uses the great speed and strong chelicerae (mouthparts) with toxin glands to capture the insects instead of its web. Therefore, H. venatoria provides unique opportunities for venom evolution research. The venom of H. venatoria was explored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight and analyzing expressed sequence tags. The 154 sequences coding cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) revealed 24 families based on the phylogenetic analyses of precursors and cysteine frameworks in the putative mature regions. Intriguingly, four kinds of motifs are first described in spider venom. Furthermore, combining the diverse CRPs of H. venatoria with previous spider venom peptidomics data, the structures of precursors and the patterns of cysteine frameworks were analyzed. This work revealed the dynamic evolutionary trends of venom CRPs in H. venatoria: the precursor has evolved an extended mature peptide with more cysteines, and a diminished or even vanished propeptides between the signal and mature peptides; and the CRPs evolved by multiple duplications of an ancestral ICK gene as well as recruitments of non-toxin genes.

Download Full-text

Body & brain: Boosting estrogen, only in the brain: Selective hormone treatment might minimize adverse effects

Science News ◽

10.1002/scin.2015.188004005 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 188 (4) ◽

pp. 8-8

Author(s):

Sarah Schwartz

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Hormone Treatment ◽

The Brain

Download Full-text

Signaling Mechanisms of Selective PPARγ Modulators in Alzheimer’s Disease

PPAR Research ◽

10.1155/2018/2010675 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Manoj Govindarajulu ◽

Priyanka D. Pinky ◽

Jenna Bloemer ◽

Nila Ghanei ◽

Vishnu Suppiramaniam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Protein Accumulation ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽

Continuous Increase ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

The Brain

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal protein accumulation, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. The continuous increase in the incidence of AD with the aged population and mortality rate indicates the urgent need for establishing novel molecular targets for therapeutic potential. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone reduce amyloid and tau pathologies, inhibit neuroinflammation, and improve memory impairments in several rodent models and in humans with mild-to-moderate AD. However, these agonists display poor blood brain barrier permeability resulting in inadequate bioavailability in the brain and thus requiring high dosing with chronic time frames. Furthermore, these dosing levels are associated with several adverse effects including increased incidence of weight gain, liver abnormalities, and heart failure. Therefore, there is a need for identifying novel compounds which target PPARγ more selectively in the brain and could provide therapeutic benefits without a high incidence of adverse effects. This review focuses on how PPARγ agonists influence various pathologies in AD with emphasis on development of novel selective PPARγ modulators.

Download Full-text

EIA SCREENING FOR CHANGES AND EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING PROJECTS: APPLYING AN EU PERSPECTIVE

Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management ◽

10.1142/s1464333204001651 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 06 (02) ◽

pp. 177-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

JOE WESTON

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Environmental Impact ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Impact Assessment ◽

Environmental Impact Assessment ◽

Wide Scope ◽

The European Union ◽

Local Planning ◽

Growth Area ◽

The Uk

Directive 97/11/EC, amending the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (85/337/EEC), introduced a number of key changes to the procedures of EIA in the European Union (EU). One significant amendment was the introduction of a requirement for EIAs to be completed for "changes or extensions to Annex I or II projects that have already been authorised executed or are in the process of being executed and which are likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment (CEC, 1997). That requirement imposes a duty on competent authorities to screen all changes and extensions of Annex I and Annex II projects for the need for EIA. Applying legal and policy principles established in the European Union, the scope of what constitute relevant changes and extensions is very wide. Given this wide scope, it would be reasonable to assume that screening changes or extensions would have been a major growth area of EIA activity in the UK. However, evidence presented here indicates just the opposite and suggests that many local planning authorities are not fully aware of the full implications of this clause in the EIA Directive. Furthermore, for the full implications of the "changes and extensions" clause to be implemented in the UK may require further amendments to the EIA legislation.

Download Full-text

Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyacrylamide

Journal of the American College of Toxicology ◽

10.3109/10915819109078629 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 193-203 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Maximum Dose ◽

Toxicity Study ◽

Final Report ◽

Oral Toxicity ◽

Monomer Content ◽

Acrylamide Monomers ◽

Reproductive Study

Polyacrylamide is a polymer of controllable molecular weight formed from the polymerization of acrylamide monomers. Average concentrations of the monomer were reported as less than 0.01% by several manufacturers. Polyacrylamide is used as a foam builder and stabilizer in shampoo products and as a vehicle in sunscreen preparations. An acute oral toxicity study of Polyacrylamide in rats reported that a single maximum oral dose of 4.0 g/kg body weight was tolerated. In a subchronic oral toxicity study in both rats and dogs, animals were given a maximum dose of 464 mg/kg body weight, with no signs of toxicity in any animals. Two separate studies in rats reported no absorption when the compound was administered by gavage. In a 2-year chronic oral toxicity study, rats fed between 500 and 10,000 ppm in their diet had no significant adverse effects. Similar results were obtained in dogs. A 2-year feeding study in rats fed up to 5.0% Polyacrylamide reported no significant adverse effects. Cutaneous tolerance tests performed to evaluate the irritation of Polyacrylamide indicated that the compound was relatively well tolerated. Undiluted Polyacrylamide applied to the conjunctival sac of the rabbit caused a very slight response. No compound-related lesions were noted in a three-generation reproductive study in which rats were fed either 500 or 2000 ppm Polyacrylamide. On the basis of data presented in this report, it is concluded that Polyacrylamide, with less than 0.01% acrylamide monomer content, is safe as a cosmetic ingredient as currently used.

Download Full-text

LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY OFTITHONIA DIVERSIFOLIALEAF EXTRACT ONPERI-URBAN MOSQUITO LARVEA INABAKALIKI; ALTERNATIVE TO INSECTICIDE DEVELOPMENT.

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH ◽

10.24297/jssr.v7i1.3576 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 1225-1228

Author(s):

UHUO CA ◽

OKEREKE CN ◽

NWELE ED ◽

OGBONNA S.U ◽

NWANCHOR K.C ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Larvicidal Activity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Insect Pests ◽

Anopheles Mosquito ◽

Mosquito Population ◽

Mosquito Larvae ◽

Dose Dependent

The bioassay activitiesofTithonia diversifolia leave extract was conducted on the larvae of Anopheles mosquito collected at peri-urban areas of Abakaliki Ebonyi State, using the concentrations of the extract in dilutions at 50/100ml, 40/100ml, 30/100ml and 20/100ml introduced with 10 Anopheles mosquito larvae each in four replicates and allowed for 3hrs. Mean mortality rate of the larvae were observed after the first hour, thus 30%, 10%, 05% and 0% respectively while in the 2nd hour were 60%, 40%, 20% and 10% and in the 3rd hour were 80%, 60%, 50% & 30% respectively. The result thus revealed that the treatment is dose dependent and that the studied specie has some bioactive compounds that can be exploited for insect pests control hence observed to be sensitive in anopheles mosquito larvae. Therefore Tithonia diversifolialeaf extract could be used as a bioassay for the control of mosquito due to its active properties as this has exhibited adverse effects on the larvae thereby reducing the mosquito population and thus reducing the malarious infection associated with the bite of mosquito.

Download Full-text

Learning to synchronize: Midfrontal theta dynamics during rule switching

10.1101/2020.06.01.127175 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pieter Verbeke ◽

Kate Ergo ◽

Esther De Loof ◽

Tom Verguts

Keyword(s):

Negative Feedback ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Learning Task ◽

Theta Oscillations ◽

Prediction Errors ◽

Hierarchical Learning ◽

Theta Power ◽

Negative Prediction ◽

Theta Phase ◽

The Brain

AbstractIn recent years, several hierarchical extensions of well-known learning algorithms have been proposed. For example, when stimulus-action mappings vary across time or context, the brain may learn two or more stimulus-action mappings in separate modules, and additionally (at a hierarchically higher level) learn to appropriately switch between those modules. However, how the brain mechanistically coordinates neural communication to implement such hierarchical learning, remains unknown. Therefore, the current study tests a recent computational model that proposed how midfrontal theta oscillations implement such hierarchical learning via the principle of binding by synchrony (Sync model). More specifically, the Sync model employs bursts at theta frequency to flexibly bind appropriate task modules by synchrony. 64-channel EEG signal was recorded while 27 human subjects (Female: 21, Male: 6) performed a probabilistic reversal learning task. In line with the Sync model, post-feedback theta power showed a linear relationship with negative prediction errors, but not with positive prediction errors. This relationship was especially pronounced for subjects with better behavioral fit (measured via AIC) of the Sync model. Also consistent with Sync model simulations, theta phase-coupling between midfrontal electrodes and temporo-parietal electrodes was stronger after negative feedback. Our data suggest that the brain uses theta power and synchronization for flexibly switching between task rule modules, as is useful for example when multiple stimulus-action mappings must be retained and used.Significance StatementEveryday life requires flexibility in switching between several rules. A key question in understanding this ability is how the brain mechanistically coordinates such switches. The current study tests a recent computational framework (Sync model) that proposed how midfrontal theta oscillations coordinate activity in hierarchically lower task-related areas. In line with predictions of this Sync model, midfrontal theta power was stronger when rule switches were most likely (strong negative prediction error), especially in subjects who obtained a better model fit. Additionally, also theta phase connectivity between midfrontal and task-related areas was increased after negative feedback. Thus, the data provided support for the hypothesis that the brain uses theta power and synchronization for flexibly switching between rules.

Download Full-text

Considerations on the Use of Aromatase Inhibitors in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer

Estrogens and Memory ◽

10.1093/oso/9780190645908.003.0023 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 385-400

Author(s):

Jeffrey D. Blaustein

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Develop Breast Cancer ◽

Laboratory Animals ◽

Breast Cancers ◽

The Brain

About 1 of every 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, and approximately 250,000 new cancer cases are expected annually as of 2017. Of those breast cancers, approximately 60% to 75% will express estrogen receptors, suggesting that estrogens are likely to promote growth of those tumors. Because the use of inhibitors of the synthesis of estrogens is the adjuvant treatment of choice for many women, it is essential that we understand the potential adverse effects on quality of life of those treatments. This review addresses the role of estrogens locally synthesized in the brain in laboratory animals and women, the effects of estrogens on cognitive function, the effects of synthesis blockers on cognitive function, and the limitations in performing experiments that will give us strong confidence in the results and conclusions.

Download Full-text

MEDICINAL HERBS AND PHYTOCHEMICALS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION: A REVIEW

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2019.v12i5.32708 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 8-14

Author(s):

APOORVA HA ◽

SEEMA MEHDI ◽

KRISHNA KL ◽

NABEEL K

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Clinical Evidence ◽

Emotional State ◽

Well Being ◽

New Approach ◽

Treatment Of Depression ◽

Primary Hypothesis ◽

The Brain ◽

Additional Option

Depression is a condition of no mood and loss of interest in any activity that can diminish a person’s thinking, conduct, tendencies, emotional state, and a sense of well-being. Although there is a conventional class of medication which have been beneficial in the treatment of depression, current studies have reported having side effects which can be minimized by the intervention of herbs and phytochemicals. Most of the studies have proven the various mechanisms and have started to research a very ground-breaking method by glancing the ancient treatmen. Where this new approach of using the herbs and phytochemicals has shown better results alone and in combination with conventional drugs which has shown lesser adverse effects. The practice of phytomedicine is an additional option for the treatment of depression. In the various segments of treating the depression, the mainstream can be a breakthrough including phytoconstituents. In this aspect, there are many contributions for the treatment of the depression acting to the neuronal level signaling and the phytoconstituents also have shown some basic mechanisms in the treatment of depression as that of the conventional medications following some primary hypothesis and signaling pathways and life interactions that effects the brain in either way to treat the depression in all sort of way. Clinical evidence is required to provide backing to the safety and effectiveness of herbs and phytochemicals alone or in combination with currently available drugs to overcome the reported side effects during the treatment of depression.

Download Full-text