Evaluation of Attractant Composition, Application Rate, and Trap Type for Potential Mass Trapping of Ips typographus (L.)

This study focused on elucidating the possibilities of improving current trapping methods for Ips typographus (Linnaeus, 1758). Three field experiments were conducted simultaneously in one study area in the German federal state of Saxony. A comparison of six different commercial attractants revealed a significant superiority of Typosan®, especially for adult beetles after hibernation in the phase of their first swarming. It also attracted fewer individuals of Thanasimus spp. than the other highly attractive products Pheroprax® and IT Ecolure Extra®. Increasing the Pheroprax® application rate by using four instead of one dispenser in a single trap increased the total catch of I. typographus only by 15.5%. In contrast, Thanasimus spp. catch increased by 195.5% when four dispensers were used. A test of different trap types showed a species-specific catching capability, with the 12-funnel WitaTrap® being the most effective in catching I. typographus. The quantity of Thanasimus spp. bycatch in multiple-funnel traps demonstrated the necessity of a selective mechanism to minimize impacts on predator populations. Although we were not able to identify new milestones towards mass trapping, this study contributes to necessary improvements of current trapping methods. Especially in future stands with a smaller share of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karsten, 1881) the weakened beetle population in spring could be effectively reduced by properly conducted mass trapping.

Targeted Protein Degradation: Current Status and Future Prospects

The protein degradation is a well-controlled, highly selective mechanism for intracellular protein degradation and its turnover. There are several proteins in our body but among them some goes for degradation at a time. Proteins which are going to be degraded are identified by a 76 amino acid polypeptide known as ubiquitin and the process is known as ubiquitination. Ubiquitation means the attachment of many ubiquitin molecules to the target protein molecule that need to be broken down. During the ubiquitination procedure iso peptide bonds are formed. And these iso peptide bonds are formed between the nitrogen molecule of the lysine residue from the target protein and the carbon molecule of the ubiquitin molecule. Through this endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome machinery, disease responsible proteins can be permanently removed. Energy is required for this process and that’s why ATP is employed in this process. This targeted protein degradation plays a very crucial role for cancer and other diseases. Through this review we just enlighten the significant points if the targeted protein degradation and its significance.

DENGUE VIRUS ALTERS SIALIC ACID RESIDUES CONFIGURATION IN MACROPHAGES

The activation of the innate immune response requires sialic acid residues removal. Nevertheless, it is unknown the role of these changes during the Dengue virus infection. We determine if during Dengue virus infection, the sialic acid residues alter on the macrophages. The human monocytic cell line THP-1 was differentiated into macrophages and were infected with Dengue virus. The changes in sialic acid were evaluated by lectin blot in the cellular lysate. The activity of neuraminidase was defined by RT-PCR and fluorescence assays. Macrophages infection with DENV-2 reduces α-2,6 sialic acid residues at 24 h, and α-2,3 sialic acid residues lower at 48 h in some proteins. Transcriptional profile and enzymatic activities of Neu-1 showed a narrow decrease. Sialic acid residues oscillation in varied conformations and times suggest a role of a selective mechanism to remove these residues. The lesser participation of Neu-1 in this process could be concomitant to other similar enzymes such as sialyl-transferases, or the phenomenon requires minimal activity to have a relevant biological function.

Prolonged use of selective immunosuppressants in glacoma drainage surgery: experimental in vivo study

Background: anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agents are among tools to prevent postoperative scarring. Prolonged use of immunosuppressants characterized by a selective mechanism of action immediately at the surgical site. Aim: to assess the safety and efficacy of bio-resorptive drainage devices enriched with cyclosporine or everolimus in vivo. Patients and Methods: the study was conducted on 52 rabbit eyes. Before to the study, ocular surface disease provoked by the long-term use of preservative-containing IOP-lowering medications was simulated. The next step was the penetrating surgical procedure. The surgery involved implanting bio-resorptive drainage devices of polylactide enriched with cyclosporine or everolimus or control devices (neither cyclosporine nor everolimus). Postoperatively, all rabbits underwent regular ophthalmic exams and IOP measurements. Follow-up was 6 months. After 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months, the animals were slaughtered for the histology of surgical site. Results: better characteristics of filtering blebs and lower IOP values were seen among the animals who underwent surgical procedures with immunosuppressants compared to the control group even in the early post-op period. After 1 month, control filtering blebs stopped functioning and were characterized by the IBAGS H0 (height) and E0 (extent) in most animals. Meanwhile, in cyclosporine and everolimus groups, filtering blebs were characterized by the IBAGS Н1-Н2 and Е1-Е3 till the end of follow-up. After 6 months, mean IOP was 17.3±0.5 mm Hg in the control group and 13.0±0.4 mm Hg and 11.8±0.6 mm Hg in cyclosporine group and everolimus group, respectively. No significant differences between the groups were reported in terms of complications. Histology matched clinical data and illustrated the mechanism of increased outflow facility after the implantation of drainage devices enriched with immunosuppressants. Conclusion: in vivo experiment has demonstrated higher efficacy and similar safety of IOP-lowering surgery after the implantation of drainage devices enriched with selective immunosuppressants. Keywords: glaucoma surgery, immunosuppressants, cyclosporine, everolimus, drainage device, scarring, filtering bleb. For citation: Germanova V.N., Karlova E.V., Volova L.T. et al. Prolonged use of selective immunosuppressants in glacoma drainage surgery: experimental in vivo study. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2021;21(2):78–85. DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2021-21-2-78-85.