Cucumber vs Ants: a Case Against the Myth of the Uses of Plant Extracts in Insect Pest Management

Sociobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 5813
Author(s):  
Matan Shelomi ◽  
Bo-Jun Qiu ◽  
Lin-Ting Huang
Keyword(s):  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
Realistic Situation ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Ant Repellent

An accumulation of questionable scientific reports on the use of natural plant extracts to control household pest insects, using biologically irrelevant experimental designs and extremely high concentrations, has resulted in a publication bias: “promising” studies claiming readily available plants can repel various insects, including social insects, despite no usable data to judge cost-effectiveness or sustainability in a realistic situation. The Internet provides a further torrent of untested claims, generating a background noise of misinformation. An example is the belief that cucumbers are “natural” ant repellent, widely reported in such informal literature, despite no direct evidence for or against this claim. We tested this popular assertion using peel extracts of cucumber and the related bitter melon as olfactory and gustatory repellents against ants. Extracts of both fruit peels in water, methanol, or hexane were statistically significant but effectively weak gustatory repellents. Aqueous cucumber peel extract has a significant but mild olfactory repellent effect: about half of the ants were repelled relative to none in a control. While the myth may have a grain of truth to it, as cucumber does have a mild but detectable effect on ants in an artificial setup, its potential impact on keeping ants out of a treated perimeter would be extremely short-lived and not cost-effective. Superior ant management strategies are currently available. The promotion of “natural” products must be rooted in scientific evidence of a successful and cost-effective implementation prospect.

scholarly journals Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei), a Global Pest of Coffee: Perspectives from Historical and Recent Invasions, and Future Priorities

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 882
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Johnson ◽  
Claudia Patricia Ruiz-Diaz ◽  
Nicholas C. Manoukis ◽  
Jose Carlos Verle Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Hypothenemus Hampei ◽  
Coffee Berry ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Coffee Berry Borer

Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), CBB) has invaded nearly every coffee-producing country in the world, and it is commonly recognized as the most damaging insect pest of coffee. While research has been conducted on this pest in individual coffee-growing regions, new insights may be gained by comparing and contrasting patterns of invasion and response across its global distribution. In this review, we explore the existing literature and focus on common themes in the invasion biology of CBB by examining (1) how it was introduced into each particular region and the response to its invasion, (2) flight activity and infestation patterns, (3) economic impacts, and (4) management strategies. We highlight research conducted over the last ten years in Hawaii as a case study for the development and implementation of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program for CBB, and also discuss biosecurity issues contributing to incursion and establishment. Potential areas for future research in each of the five major components of CBB IPM (monitoring and sampling, cultural, biological, chemical, and physical controls) are also presented. Finally, we emphasize that outreach efforts are crucial to the successful implementation of CBB IPM programs. Future research programs should strive to include coffee growers as much as possible to ensure that management options are feasible and cost-effective.

Review on Methodologies Used in the Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles: Significance of Phytosynthesis Using Plant Extract as an Emerging Tool

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (40) ◽  
pp. 5188-5204
Author(s):  
Uzair Nagra ◽  
Maryam Shabbir ◽  
Muhammad Zaman ◽  
Asif Mahmood ◽  
Kashif Barkat
Keyword(s):  
Green Synthesis ◽  
Metal Nanoparticles ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Noble Metals ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Nanosized Particles ◽  
Preparation Methods

Nanosized particles, with a size of less than 100 nm, have a wide variety of applications in various fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Metal nanoparticles [MNPs] have been synthesized by different chemical and physical procedures. Still, the biological approach or green synthesis [phytosynthesis] is considered as a preferred method due to eco-friendliness, nontoxicity, and cost-effective production. Various plants and plant extracts have been used for the green synthesis of MNPs, including biofabrication of noble metals, metal oxides, and bimetallic combinations. Biomolecules and metabolites present in plant extracts cause the reduction of metal ions into nanosized particles by one-step preparation methods. MNPs have remarkable attractiveness in biomedical applications for their use as potential antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial agents. The present review offers a comprehensive aspect of MNPs production via top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach with considerable emphasis on green technology and their possible biomedical applications. The critical parameters governing the MNPs formation by plant-based synthesis are also highlighted in this review.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using sustainable resources and their use as antibacterial agents: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumari Jyoti ◽  
Punyasloka Pattnaik ◽  
Tej Singh
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Metallic Nanoparticles ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Metal Species ◽  
Sustainable Resources ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Low Toxicity

Background:: Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles has attracted extensive vitality in numerous research areas such as drug delivery, biomedicine, catalysis etc. where continuous efforts are being made by scientists and engineers to investigate new dimensions for both technological and industrial advancements. Amongst numerous metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) is a novel metal species with low toxicity, higher stability and significant chemical, physical and biological properties. Methods:: In this, various methods for the fabrication of AgNPs are summarized. Importantly, we concentrated on the role of reducing agents of different plants parts, various working conditions such as AgNO3 concentration; ratio of AgNO3/extract; incubation time; centrifugal conditions, size and shapes. Results:: This study suggested that eco-friendly and non toxic biomolecules present in the extracts (e.g. leaf, stem and root) of plants are used as reducing and capping agents for silver nanoparticles fabrication. This method of fabrication of silver nanoparticles using plants extracts is comparatively cost-effective and simple. A silver salt is simply reduced by biomolecules present in the extracts of these plants. In this review, we have emphasized the synthesis and antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles using various plant extracts. Conclusion:: Fabrication of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts have advantage over the other physical methods, as it is safe, eco-friendly and simple to use. Plants have huge potential for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles of wide potential of applications with desired shape and size.

An evaluation of a shoulder rehabilitation class in a UK hospital following evidence-based modifications

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Emily Kell ◽  
John A. Hammond ◽  
Sophie Andrews ◽  
Christina Germeni ◽  
Helen Hingston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Rehabilitation Programme ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVES: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder, which carries a high cost to healthcare systems. Exercise is a common conservative management strategy for a range of shoulder conditions and can reduce shoulder pain and improve function. Exercise classes that integrate education and self-management strategies have been shown to be cost-effective, offer psycho-social benefits and promote self-efficacy. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an 8-week educational and exercise-based shoulder rehabilitation programme following the introduction of evidence-based modifications. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of a shoulder rehabilitation programme at X Trust was conducted, comparing existing anonymised Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) scores from two cohorts of class participants from 2017-18 and 2018-19 that were previously collected by the physiotherapy team. Data from the two cohorts were analysed separately, and in comparison, to assess class efficacy. Descriptive data were also analysed from a patient satisfaction survey from the 2018-19 cohort. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients completed the 8-week shoulder rehabilitation programme during the period of data collection (2018-2019). The 2018-19 cohort showed significant improvements in SPADI (p 0.001) and PSFS scores (p 0.001). No significant difference was found between the improvements seen in the 2017-18 cohort and the 2018-19 cohort. 96% of the 31 respondents who completed the patient satisfaction survey felt the class helped to achieve their goals. CONCLUSION: A group-based shoulder rehabilitation class, which included loaded exercises and patient education, led to improvements in pain, disability and function for patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) in this outpatient setting, but anticipated additional benefits based on evidence were not observed.

Chemosensory genes in the head of Spodoptera litura larvae

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lu-Lu Li ◽  
Ji-Wei Xu ◽  
Wei-Chen Yao ◽  
Hui-Hui Yang ◽  
Youssef Dewer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spodoptera Litura ◽  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Larval Feeding ◽  
Chemosensory System ◽  
Chemosensory Genes

Abstract The tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest with a highly selective and sensitive chemosensory system involved in complex physiological behaviors such as searching for food sources, feeding, courtship, and oviposition. However, effective management strategies for controlling the insect pest populations under threshold levels are lacking. Therefore, there is an urgent need to formulate eco-friendly pest control strategies based on the disruption of the insect chemosensory system. In this study, we identified 158 putative chemosensory genes based on transcriptomic and genomic data for S. litura, including 45 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs, nine were new), 23 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 60 odorant receptors (ORs, three were new), and 30 gustatory receptors (GRs, three were new), a number higher than those reported by previous transcriptome studies. Subsequently, we constructed phylogenetic trees based on these genes in moths and analyzed the dynamic expression of various genes in head capsules across larval instars using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nine genes–SlitOBP8, SlitOBP9, SlitOBP25, SlitCSP1, SlitCSP7, SlitCSP18, SlitOR34, SlitGR240, and SlitGR242–were highly expressed in the heads of 3- to 5-day-old S. litura larvae. The genes differentially expressed in olfactory organs during larval development might play crucial roles in the chemosensory system of S. litura larvae. Our findings substantially expand the gene inventory for S. litura and present potential target genes for further studies on larval feeding in S. litura.

scholarly journals Cyanobacterial Abundance and Microcystin Profiles in Two Southern British Lakes: The Importance of Abiotic and Biotic Interactions

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 503 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Hartnell ◽  
Ian J. Chapman ◽  
Nick G. H. Taylor ◽  
Genoveva F. Esteban ◽  
Andrew D. Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Tandem Mass ◽  
Recreational Waters ◽  
Cyanobacteria Blooms ◽  
Freshwater Bodies

Freshwater cyanobacteria blooms represent a risk to ecological and human health through induction of anoxia and release of potent toxins; both conditions require water management to mitigate risks. Many cyanobacteria taxa may produce microcystins, a group of toxic cyclic heptapeptides. Understanding the relationships between the abiotic drivers of microcystins and their occurrence would assist in the implementation of targeted, cost-effective solutions to maintain safe drinking and recreational waters. Cyanobacteria and microcystins were measured by flow cytometry and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in two interconnected reservoirs varying in age and management regimes, in southern Britain over a 12-month period. Microcystins were detected in both reservoirs, with significantly higher concentrations in the southern lake (maximum concentration >7 µg L−1). Elevated microcystin concentrations were not positively correlated with numbers of cyanobacterial cells, but multiple linear regression analysis suggested temperature and dissolved oxygen explained a significant amount of the variability in microcystin across both reservoirs. The presence of a managed fishery in one lake was associated with decreased microcystin levels, suggestive of top down control on cyanobacterial populations. This study supports the need to develop inclusive, multifactor holistic water management strategies to control cyanobacterial risks in freshwater bodies.

scholarly journals Shelf life evaluation of ricotta fresca sheep cheese in modified atmosphere packaging

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Pala ◽  
Christian Scarano ◽  
Massimiliano Venusti ◽  
Daniela Sardo ◽  
Daniele Casti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽  
Modified Atmosphere ◽  
Cheese Making ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Post Process ◽  
Life Evaluation ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Industrial Level

<em>Ricotta fresca</em> cheese is the product of Sardinian dairy industry most exposed to microbial post-process contamination. Due to its technological characteristics, intrinsic parameters, pH (6.10-6.80) and water activity (0.974-0.991), it represents an excellent substrate for the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, which are usually resident in cheese-making plants environments. Generally, <em>ricotta fresca</em> has a shelf life of 5-7 days. For this reason, at industrial level, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is used to extend the durability of the product. However, few investigations have been conducted to validate the use of MAP in <em>ricotta fresca</em>. The aim of this work is to evaluate the shelf life of <em>ricotta fresca</em> under MAP. A total of 108 samples were collected from three Sardinian industrial cheese-making plants and analysed within 24 h after packaging and after 7, 14 and 21 days of refrigerated storage. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, mesophilic and thermophilic cocci and lactobacilli, <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em> and <em>E. coli</em>, <em>L. monocytogenes</em>, <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp., <em>Bacillus cereus</em>, yeasts and moulds, and the chemicalphysical parameters and composition of the product were determined. At the end of the shelf life, <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp. and Enterobacteriaceae reached high concentrations, 5 to 7 and 3 to 6 log<sub>10</sub> colony forming unit g<sup>–1</sup>, respectively. The presence of environmental contaminants indicates that the use of MAP without the appropriate implementation of prerequisite programmes is not sufficient to extend the durability of <em>ricotta fresca</em>. Gas mixture and packaging material should be selected only on the basis of scientific evidence of their effectiveness.

Clinical Profile and Prediction of Response to Treatment in Childhood Epilepsy - A Single-Centre Experience from Eastern India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (15) ◽  
pp. 977-981
Author(s):  
Prakash Chandra Ghosh ◽  
Mitali Bera ◽  
Punyabrata Barma ◽  
Arijit Roy ◽  
Sananda Majumder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Clinical Profile ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Childhood Epilepsy ◽  
Primary Health Centres ◽  
Single Centre Experience ◽  
Active Epilepsy

BACKGROUND Though epilepsy remains a significant problem for children and adolescents in our country, studies delineating the clinical profile and response to treatment in childhood epilepsy are lacking. The current study was carried out for obtaining a baseline profile and to predict the response to treatment in childhood epilepsy in India that may be helpful in planning management strategies from a public health point of view. METHODS Patients with clinical suggestion of active epilepsy (N = 141) from one month to 12 years, were enrolled into the study over a period of 1 year (February 2010 to January 2011) from the out-patient department and epilepsy clinic of Bangur Institute of Neurology. Detailed history was taken along with neurological examination. Electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging (MRI / CT scan) were done on all patients. Each patient included in the study was kept in followup for a period of 6 months and their response to the treatment was recorded. RESULTS About 48.9 % (N = 69) patients had localisation related epilepsy while the rest had generalised epilepsy. Of those with generalised epilepsy, generalised tonicclonic seizures (GTCS) was by far the most common type. Of those with focal EEG activity, the highest proportion (50 %), were localised to the temporal lobe. Symptomatic aetiology accounted for 59.6 % (N = 84) of the patients. 20.6 % (N = 29) had poor response to treatment at 6 months follow-up. Abnormal neuroimaging (OR = 6.708) and abnormal EEG (OR = 6.357) were effective factors in predicting poor response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the need to link specialised epilepsy services with primary health centres for early detection and treatment. EEG is an essential cost-effective modality in determining seizure localisation and response to treatment. KEYWORDS Paediatric, Epilepsy, Clinical Profile, Response to Treatment

Neonatal Cholestasis: Updates on Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Prevention

NeoReviews ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. e819-e836
Author(s):  
Amy G. Feldman ◽  
Ronald J. Sokol
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Biliary Atresia ◽  
Young Infant ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Primary Indication ◽  
Effective Diagnosis ◽  
Made In

Cholestatic jaundice is a common presenting feature of hepatobiliary and/or metabolic dysfunction in the newborn and young infant. Timely detection of cholestasis, followed by rapid step-wise evaluation to determine the etiology, is crucial to identify those causes that are amenable to medical or surgical intervention and to optimize outcomes for all infants. In the past 2 decades, genetic etiologies have been elucidated for many cholestatic diseases, and next-generation sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing now allow for relatively rapid and cost-effective diagnosis of conditions not previously identifiable via standard blood tests and/or liver biopsy. Advances have also been made in our understanding of risk factors for parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis/liver disease. New lipid emulsion formulations, coupled with preventive measures to decrease central line–associated bloodstream infections, have resulted in lower rates of cholestasis and liver disease in infants and children receiving long-term parental nutrition. Unfortunately, little progress has been made in determining the exact cause of biliary atresia. The median age at the time of the hepatoportoenterostomy procedure is still greater than 60 days; consequently, biliary atresia remains the primary indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Several emerging therapies may reduce the bile acid load to the liver and improve outcomes in some neonatal cholestatic disorders. The goal of this article is to review the etiologies, diagnostic algorithms, and current and future management strategies for infants with cholestasis.

Piper nigrum Oil – Determination of Selected Terpenes for Quality Evaluation

Planta Medica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (03) ◽  
pp. 185-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Wang ◽  
Amar Chittiboyina ◽  
Jon Parcher ◽  
Zulfiqar Ali ◽  
Paul Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
Piper Nigrum ◽  
Ms Analysis ◽  
Chemical Profiles ◽  
High Concentrations

AbstractThe growing demand and commercial value of black pepper (Piper nigrum) has resulted in considerable interest in developing suitable and cost-effective methods for chemical characterization and quality evaluation purposes. In the current study, an extensive set of oil samples (n = 23) that were extracted by steam distillation from black pepper seeds was investigated to compare the chemical profiles of samples originating from nine major producing countries, as well as to identify potential chemical markers for quality evaluation. The twenty-two most abundant volatile compounds, mainly terpenes, in these oils were determined by conventional GC/MS analysis. Principal component analysis with this set of data revealed distinct clusters for samples that originated from China and Malaysia. Relatively low concentrations of sabinene (< 0.2%) and high concentrations of 3-carene (10.9 – 21.1%) were observed in these samples, respectively, compared to oil samples from other countries. The enantiomeric distributions of key terpene markers, viz., β-pinene, sabinene, limonene, and terpinen-4-ol, were determined by chiral GC/MS analysis. Interestingly, for these four monoterpenes, levo-isomers were found to be predominant, emphasizing the highly conserved enzymatic processes occurring in P. nigrum. Moreover, consistent enantiomeric ratios ((−) isomer/(+) isomer) of 92.2 ± 3.0% for β-pinene, 94.8 ± 2.8% for sabinene, 60.7 ± 1.1% for limonene, and 78.3 ± 1.3% for terpinen-4-ol were observed, independent of geographical location. These results demonstrate the potential of using stereospecific compositions as chiral signatures for establishing the authenticity and quality of black pepper oil.

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