Pseudomonas protegens Affects Mosquito Survival and Development.

This study investigated the pathogenic potential of Pseudomonas protegens on mosquito larvae of the two species Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, representing major threats for disease transmission in the Mediterranean area and worldwide. The bacterium achieved to kill over 90% of the mosquito larvae within 72 h after exposition to a bacterial concentration of 100 million CFU/ml. These lethal effects were concentration dependent and a significantly higher susceptibility was associated with younger larvae of both mosquito species.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease: Shared Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Common Therapeutic Targets.

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease is increasing alarmingly with the aging of the population. Numerous epidemiological data suggest that there is a strong association between type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of dementia. These diseases are both degenerative and progressive and share common risk factors.

Compatibility of the bacterial entomopathogen Pseudomonas protegens with the natural predator Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

The susceptibility of the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea to the soil-dwelling bacterial entomopathogen Pseudomonas protegens CHA0 was investigated in this study. Laboratory bioassays were conducted on larval instars exposed to different bacterial concentrations by both direct feeding and indirectly by offering a pre-treated insect prey. Potential toxicity was assessed through dose-response bioassays, while possible sublethal effects were evaluated on immature development time and the reproductive performance (fecundity) of adults emerging from treated juveniles.

Lethal and sub-lethal activity of Brevibacillus laterosporus on the mosquito Aedes albopictus and side effects on non-target water-dwelling invertebrates.

The biocidal potential of Brevibacillus laterosporus against mosquitoes of major medical importance has been widely documented, but its effects on non-target invertebrates are still poorly known. In this study, we determined the lethal and sub-lethal effects of B. laterosporus strain UNISS 18, an entomopathogenic bacterium known for its effectiveness against synanthropic Diptera, on the larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, a vector of several pathogens to humans.

Metabolic Diseases and Down Syndrome: How Are They Linked Together?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, associated with intellectual disabilities. Down syndrome is associated with anomalies of both the nervous and endocrine systems. Over the past decades, dramatic advances in Down syndrome research and treatment have helped to extend the life expectancy of these patients.