Involvement of a novel Pseudomonas protegens strain associated with entomopathogenic nematode infective juveniles in insect pathogenesis.

Background: The bioinsecticidal action of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) typically relies on their symbiosis with core bacteria. However, recent studies highlighted the possible involvement of other noncore species. We have recently isolated a novel Pseudomonas protegens strain as a major agent of septicaemia in larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, infected with a soil-dwelling Steinernema feltiae strain.

Oral Toxicity of against Muscoid Flies.

The bioinsecticidal action of has so far been reported against some target insects, and the mode of action remains unclear. In this study, the pathogenicity potential of a recently isolated strain of this bacterial species against fly larvae of medical and veterinary interest was determined. Preliminary experiments were conducted to determine the biocidal action by ingestion against and larvae, which highlighted a concentration-dependent effect, with LC values of 3.

Rapid polymerase chain reaction assays for Brevibacillus laterosporus detection.

The identification of the ubiquitous spore-forming bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus, whose interest in pharma, agriculture, and other industrial sectors is raising, mostly relies on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis. However, due to bacterial gene homology, this method appears insufficient for a proper discrimination of this species, so that the availability of other target genes is necessary. Leveraging the morphological and genetic feature uniqueness of B.

Sex-Specific Sub-Lethal Effects and Immune Response in Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) Challenged with Spinosad.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the insecticidal compound spinosad on the survival, reproduction, and immune functions of the Mediterranean fruit fly. The lethal and sub-lethal effects were determined on Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) challenged with different concentrations of spinosad.

Brevibacillus laterosporus pathogenesis and local immune response regulation in the house fly midgut.

The insect midgut represents the primary site of action of the entompathogenic bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus. While most studies on this microorganism focus on the identification and characterization of possible virulence factors and toxins, little is known about the insect immune defense mechanisms that are activated against this pathogen. In this study we have investigated the local immune response of different house fly stages to B.

Spore surface proteins of Brevibacillus laterosporus are involved in insect pathogenesis.

Outer spore envelope proteins of pathogenic bacteria often present specific virulence factors and tools to evade the defence system of their hosts. Brevibacillus laterosporus, a pathogen of invertebrates and an antimicrobial-producing species, is characterised by a unique spore coat and canoe-shaped parasporal body (SC-CSPB) complex surrounding the core spore. In the present study, we identified and characterised major proteins of the SC-CSPB complex of B.

Brevibacillus laterosporus inside the insect body: Beneficial resident or pathogenic outsider?

Brevibacillus laterosporus is an entomopathogenic bacterium showing varying degrees of virulence against diverse insect pests. Conversely, it is regarded as a beneficial component of the intestinal flora in different animals and in some insect species including the honeybee. B.

Multifunctionalization of wool fabrics through nanoparticles: A chemical route towards smart textiles.

A new approach towards the design of smart nanotextiles with innovative properties is presented. Silica (SiO2), titania (TiO2), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), were synthesized without the use of any toxic organic compound and then were used, alone and in combination, to functionalize wool fabrics. Electrostatic forces, influenced by a low pH of the solutions, allowed the interactions between wool fabrics and NPs, enabling a robust functionalization.

Pathogenicity and characterization of a novel Bacillus cereus sensu lato isolate toxic to the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wied.

The lethal and sub-lethal effects of sporulated cultures of a novel Bacillus cereus sensu lato strain lacking detectable cry genes and identified through morphological and genetic analyses, have been studied on the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. The lethal effects on young larvae were concentration dependent, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 4.48 × 10(8)spores/g of diet.

Bcl2-A1 interacts with pro-caspase-3: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Expression of mutant SOD1 typical of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) induces the expression of Bcl2-A1, a member of the Bcl2 family of proteins, specifically in motor neurons of transgenic mice. In this work, we have used immortalized motor neurons (NSC-34) and transgenic mice expressing mutant SOD1 to unravel the molecular mechanisms and the biological meaning of this up-regulation. We report that up-regulation of Bcl2-A1 by mutant SOD1 is mediated by activation of the redox sensitive transcription factor AP1 and that Bcl2-A1 interacts with pro-caspase-3 via its C-terminal helix α9.

Antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of eugenol-related biphenyls on malignant melanoma cells.

Background: Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancer and chemotherapeutic agents currently in use are still unsatisfactory. Prevention and early diagnosis are the only effective tools against this tumour whose incidence and mortality rates are highly increased during the last decades in fair skin populations. Therefore the search for novel therapeutic approaches is warranted.