Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
C. Huygens, M. Ribeiro Lopes, K. Gaget, G. Duport, S. Peignier, S. De Groef, N. Parisot, F. Calevro, P. Callaerts
Summary: The insulin superfamily plays a crucial role in the insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway, which is involved in growth, energy balance, and lifespan regulation. This study focuses on aphids and investigates the evolution of insulin receptor proteins (IRPs) and their contribution to the insulin signaling pathway. By analyzing the genome of the pea aphid, researchers identified seven potential IRP-encoding genes. These genes showed similarities to classical insulin and insulin-like proteins, as well as insulin-like growth factor features. Furthermore, a new and structurally divergent IRP, IRP11, was discovered in multiple aphid genomes. Expression analysis revealed diverse spatial and temporal expression patterns of different IRPs in aphids, indicating functional diversification.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hui-ping Liu, Qiao-yan Yang, Jing-xing Liu, Inzamam Ul Haq, Yan Li, Qiang-yan Zhang, Kotb A. Attia, Asmaa M. Abushady, Chang-zhong Liu, Ning Lv
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different host plants on the biological characteristics, Buchnera titer, and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids. The titer of Buchnera was significantly higher on T. Pretense and M. officinalis. The content of soluble sugar, glycogen, and total energy of the pea aphid on V. faba were significantly higher and showed high fecundity and weight. The content of total lipids was higher on P. sativum and T. pretense. Correlation analysis found that the difference in Buchnera titer was positively correlated with the protein content in M. officinalis and the content of total energy in T. pratense. This study confirmed that host plants not only affected the biological characteristics and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids but also regulated the symbiotic density, thus interfering with the nutritional function of Buchnera. The results can provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the influence of different host plants on the development of pea aphids and other insects.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jean-Philippe Parent, Ryan Laidlaw, Paul K. Abram
Summary: The study found that substrate-borne vibrations transmitted through the host plant can reduce the number of three aphid species, while airborne vibrations played through speakers had no detectable effect. These results suggest that non-specific substrate-borne vibrations may affect pests not known to use vibrations to communicate and should be further explored as a physical pest control method. Further research is needed to investigate longer-term effects of non-specific vibrations on pests, their host plants, and their natural enemies.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas C. Mathers, Roland H. M. Wouters, Sam T. Mugford, David Swarbreck, Cock van Oosterhout, Saskia A. Hogenhout
Summary: Chromosome rearrangements in aphids have led to a significant reorganization over the past 30 million years, resulting in the inability to determine chromosome homology between Aphidini and Macrosiphini tribes. Despite rapid sequence evolution, low gene expression, and high transposable element load, gene content of the aphid sex (X) chromosome remained unchanged. Blood-feeding hemipterans, despite being more diverged, have conserved synteny, suggesting that rapid evolution of genome structure may be a unique characteristic of aphids.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Melanie Ribeiro Lopes, Karen Gaget, Francois Renoz, Gabrielle Duport, Severine Balmand, Hubert Charles, Patrick Callaerts, Federica Calevro
Summary: An important factor contributing to the evolutionary success of insects is their nutritional association with microbial symbionts. The bacteriocytes, specialized cells in the host, play a key role in regulating the symbiotic system in response to nutritional stress and extreme conditions, demonstrating high plasticity.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Filipa Goncalves, Artur Ribeiro, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: The mammalian olfactory system is able to detect and differentiate thousands of odors in the environment, thanks to the role of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs). OBPs have a strong ability to bind ligand molecules, with key parameters such as amino acids, temperature, ionic strength, and pH influencing the formation of OBP/ligand complexes. The information on OBP structure, affinity, binding strength, and stability from literature has inspired the development of various detailed applications.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Siyu Zhang, Qian Zhang, Xin Jiang, Qian Li, Yaoguo Qin, Wenkai Wang, Jia Fan, Julian Chen
Summary: The study investigated the temporal expression of EBF-binding proteins and other OBPs in aphids, revealing that winged aphids are more sensitive to EBF. OBP7 showed significantly higher antennal expression in winged aphids, while OBP3 did not differ significantly in most time points, providing important insights for selecting morphs and sampling times.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cassie Sims, Michael A. Birkett, Neil J. Oldham, Robert A. Stockman, David M. Withall
Summary: This study investigated the binding of aphid pheromones and OBPs in the pea aphid. The results showed that ApisOBP6 was able to bind the sex pheromone components and discriminate from the alarm pheromone and a plant compound. These findings provide insights into pre-receptor odorant discrimination and potential functions of aphid olfactory proteins.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Roberto Meseguer, Alexandre Levi-Mourao, Xavier Pons
Summary: Alfalfa is the main fodder crop in irrigated crop systems in northern Spain and many Mediterranean countries, serving as a reservoir of natural enemies of pests. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap in Europe regarding the relationships between pests and natural enemies. Sixteen coccinellid species were identified in this study, with Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia variegata being the most prevalent species. Positive correlations were found between the abundance of these predators and aphids, providing insights for conservation biological control strategies against aphids in alfalfa.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xin Jiang, Jun Jiang, Miaomiao Yu, Siyu Zhang, Yaoguo Qin, Yun Xu, Frederic Francis, Jia Fan, Julian Chen
Summary: This study identified an OBP called AgifOBP6, which plays a crucial role in detecting and utilizing EBF in tri-trophic level interactions among plants, aphids, and natural enemies. AgifOBP6 can recognize and bind to EBF, thereby enhancing the efficiency of parasitoids in controlling their hosts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Long Liu, Zhe-Ran Wu, Wang Liao, Xiao-Qing Zhang, Yi-Wen Pei, Min Lu
Summary: This study investigated the function and binding properties of two general odorant binding proteins (GOBPs) in Spodoptera frugiperda. It was found that SfruGOBP1 had binding affinities to a few volatiles and insecticides, while SfruGOBP2 showed a broader ligand-binding spectrum, suggesting its importance in perceiving host volatiles. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis assays provided insight into the key amino acid residues involved in the binding of insecticides to the GOBPs. This study offers valuable information for understanding the olfactory mechanism of GOBPs in S. frugiperda.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Li-Juan Wu, Jun Wu, Hao Lan, Yu Bai, Tong-Xian Liu, He-He Cao
Summary: This study found that homogenizing aphids in a 96-well microplate resulted in higher P450 activities compared to homogenization in Eppendorf tubes. The optimized method of using a microplate for homogenization was found to be applicable to different species of aphids.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Qiong Yang, Alex Gill, Katie L. Robinson, Paul A. Umina, Perran A. Ross, Dongwu Zhan, Courtney Brown, Nicholas Bell, Ashley MacMahon, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: By using 16S DNA metabarcoding, we screened for endosymbionts in 123 Australian aphid samples and identified different endosymbionts in different aphid species. The results suggest that aphid endosymbionts may exhibit variations in infectivity and vertical transmission efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew J. Schepers, James N. Yelland, Nancy A. Moran, David W. Taylor
Summary: Buchnera aphidicola is an intracellular bacterial symbiont of aphids with a small genome. It contains gene clusters coding for flagellum basal body proteins. While these structures are highly expressed on Buchnera cells, their relevance to symbiosis remains unknown.
Article
Entomology
Chun Wu, Ningna Yin, Yuruo Guo, Zhengquan Wang, Naiyong Liu
Summary: Dioryctria abietella is a destructive forest pest that interacts with host plants and insecticides through odorant binding proteins. Two OBPs have strong interactions with plant volatiles and insecticides, which can be used for the control of D. abietella. Additionally, these two OBPs may be associated with insecticide resistance.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luisa Helena Andrade da Silva, Juliana Borges Vieira, Marianna Ribeiro Cabral, Mariana Alves Antunes, Daiheon Lee, Fernanda Ferreira Cruz, Justin Hanes, Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco, Marcelo Marcos Morales, Jung Soo Suk
Summary: Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust, and millions of industrial workers worldwide are affected. A drug called nintedanib has shown potential in treating silicosis, but its oral formulation often leads to significant side effects. Researchers have developed a nanocrystal-based suspension of nintedanib for localized treatment of silicosis via inhalation, which has shown robust anti-fibrotic effects without notable adverse effects.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Paulo Henrique Xavier, Ana Carolina Fernandes Fonseca, Leonardo Alves Goncalves, Giselle Cavalho de Sousa, Mariana Coelho da Silva, Raquel Ferreira de Magalhaes Sacramento, Cynthia dos Santos Samary, Mayck Medeiros, Fernanda Ferreira Cruz, Vera Luiza Capelozzi, Nathane Satanna Felix, Paolo Pelosi, John J. Marini, Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco, Pedro Leme Silva
Summary: This study found that gradually increasing respiratory rate can mitigate ventilation-induced lung injury in rats with mild acute respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, using a recruitment maneuver can prevent the injurious biologic impact of abrupt increases in respiratory rate.
Article
Respiratory System
Hugo Goulart de Oliveira, Amarilio Macedo-Neto, Mauricio Saueressig, Paulo Sanches, Lea Fialkow, Edino Parolo, Fabiano Nagel, Tiago Garcia, Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco
Summary: This study aimed to demonstrate whether a new prototype implantable artificial bronchus (IAB) can release trapped air from the lungs of recently deceased patients with emphysema. By mechanically ventilating seven deceased patients and measuring ventilation parameters and fraction of inspired oxygen before and after IAB placement, it was found that IAB implantation significantly reduced respiratory system plateau pressure and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure in most patients with emphysema. These findings provide a basis for further clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of IAB in patients with emphysema and its short- and long-term effects.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Soraia Abreu, Leonardo Alves, Luiza Carvalho, Debora Xisto, Natalia Blanco, Ligia Castro, Priscilla Olsen, Jose Roberto Lapa e Silva, Marcelo Marcos Morales, Miqueias Lopes-Pacheco, Daniel Weiss, Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of serum preconditioning on human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) in patients with asthma. The results show that serum preconditioning increases the apoptosis rate of hMSCs and the expression of transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene 6 protein, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1. Serum preconditioning also promotes M2 polarization of macrophages and enhances their phagocytic activity, thereby reducing inflammation and remodeling.
Letter
Respiratory System
Claudia C. dos Santos, Chirag M. Vaswani, Shirley H. J. Mei, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Daniel J. Weiss, Duncan J. Stewart, W. Conrad Liles
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia G. Blanco, Natalia M. Machado, Ligia L. L. Castro, Mariana A. A. Antunes, Christina M. M. Takiya, Monique R. O. Trugilho, Luana R. R. Silva, Adriana F. Paes F. Leme, Romenia R. Domingues, Bianca A. A. Pauletti, Beatriz T. T. Miranda, Johnatas D. D. Silva, Claudia C. C. dos Santos, Pedro L. L. Silva, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Fernanda F. F. Cruz
Summary: The effects of different sources of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), including those obtained from bone marrow (BM), adipose (AD), or lung (L) tissues, on sepsis were investigated. The proteome analysis of EVs revealed that BM-EVs were associated with less organ damage compared with AD-EVs and L-EVs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Denise Battaglini, Brigitta Fazzini, Pedro Leme Silva, Fernanda Ferreira Cruz, Lorenzo Ball, Chiara Robba, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Paolo Pelosi
Summary: Over the last decade, management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has advanced significantly in terms of supportive and pharmacologic therapies. Lung protective mechanical ventilation is crucial for ARDS management, with recommendations including low tidal volume, plateau pressure, and driving pressure. Other therapies such as recruitment maneuvers and prone positioning are considered for severe ARDS cases. Despite extensive research, effective pharmacotherapies for ARDS are yet to be found, but sub-phenotypes of ARDS have shown potential for personalized pharmacologic treatments.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lucas Rodrigues de Moraes, Chiara Robba, Denise Battaglini, Paolo Pelosi, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Pedro Leme Silva
Summary: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can lead to severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Noninvasive respiratory support (NRS), MV, and ECMO are used as treatment strategies. Lung imaging advances have improved understanding of COVID-19 and ventilatory strategies. This review aims to discuss evidence on NRS devices and strategies, personalized MV management based on COVID-19 pathophysiology, and the use of rescue strategies like ECMO in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pedro L. Silva, Fernanda F. Cruz, Camila M. Martins, Jacob Herrmann, Sarah E. Gerard, Yi Xin, Maurizio Cereda, Lorenzo Ball, Paolo Pelosi, Patricia R. M. Rocco
Summary: Lung weight can be measured with quantitative chest CT to evaluate the severity of pulmonary edema and prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Certain laboratory markers, such as leukocytes, neutrophils, D-dimer, and LDH, are found to be higher in patients with overweight lungs.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Christoph Boesing, Laura Schaefer, Jochen Johannes Schoettler, Alena Quentin, Grietje Beck, Manfred Thiel, Patrick Honeck, Karl-Friedrich Kowalewski, Paolo Pelosi, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Thomas Luecke, Joerg Krebs
Summary: This study compares the effects of different individualized PEEP titration strategies during Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum. The results show that PEEP Delta P strategy can reduce lung stress and strain, and improve gas exchange. However, PEEP Delta P may result in decreased cardiac output.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Denise Battaglini, Ida Giorgia Iavarone, Chiara Robba, Lorenzo Ball, Pedro Leme Silva, Patricia R. M. Rocco
Summary: Despite extensive research, treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains mainly supportive. New ventilatory modes and strategies have been proposed, but their clinical impact is uncertain and not supported by guidelines. This review provides an overview and update on ventilatory management for ARDS patients.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MEDICAL DEVICES
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jakob Wittenstein, Martin Scharffenberg, Xiuli Yang, Thomas Bluth, Thomas Kiss, Marcus J. Schultz, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Paolo Pelosi, Marcelo Gama de Abreu, Robert Huhle
Summary: Global and regional transpulmonary pressure and driving pressure increase during protective low tidal volume one-lung ventilation compared to two-lung ventilation, and vary with body position. Lung instability is more likely to occur in the lateral and semilateral decubitus positions during one-lung ventilation in pigs after thoracic surgery.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Taina B. Oliveira, Cassia L. Braga, Denise Battaglini, Paolo Pelosi, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Pedro L. Silva, Fernanda F. Cruz
Summary: This study compared the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on immune responses and cytokine expression in rats with sepsis. The results showed that sevoflurane increased the expression of anti-inflammatory biomarkers in monocytes, enhanced their phagocytic capacity, and increased neutrophil migration. Sevoflurane also protected lung epithelial and endothelial cells. in contrast, propofol had less significant effects.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Critical Care Medicine
A. L. Silva, C. M. Bessa, N. D. Rocha, R. F. Magalhaes, E. B. Carvalho, C. Robba, P. Pelosi, C. D. Samary, P. R. Rocco, P. L. Silva
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Christoph Boesing, Laura Schaefer, Peter T. Graf, Paolo Pelosi, Patricia R. M. Rocco, Thomas Luecke, Joerg Krebs
Summary: In ARDS patients treated with VV ECMO, adjusting PEEP to 10 cmH(2)O can reduce MP, improve hemodynamic parameters, and increase oxygen delivery.
JOURNAL OF CRITICAL CARE
(2024)
