Explore the vast range of titles available.

The concept of gingival phenotype and width of keratinized gingiva influencing the diagnosis and treatment in the periodontal scenario is relatively new. Soft and hard tissue dimensions of oral tissues are considered essential parameters in daily clinical practice. Factors such as the biotype category and the width of the keratinized gingiva help dentists seek the perfect therapy plan for each patient to achieve long-term stability of periodontal health. Several methods have been proposed to categorize phenotypes and each phenotype is characterized by various clinical characteristics. This review aims to discuss the possible association between the gingival phenotype and the width of keratinized gingiva along with the results appeared. After a rigorous search in major electronic databases, the results of the included studies indicated that the width of keratinized gingiva seems to be associated with the periodontal phenotype, with thick biotypes being characterized by a more pronounced keratinized gingival width. However, the heterogeneity of the included studies did not allow to make a conclusion about a direct relationship.

Background Mosquito host feeding patterns are an important factor of the species-specific vector capacity determining pathogen transmission routes. Culex pipiens s.s./ Cx. torrentium are competent vectors of several arboviruses, such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus. However, studies on host feeding patterns rarely differentiate the morphologically indistinguishable females. Methods We analyzed the host feeding attraction of  Cx. pipiens and  Cx. torrentium  in host-choice studies for bird, mouse, and a human lure. In addition, we summarized published and unpublished data on host feeding patterns of field-collected specimens from Germany, Iran, and Moldova from 2012 to 2022, genetically identified as  Cx. pipiens  biotype pipiens ,  Cx. pipiens  biotype molestus ,  Cx. pipiens  hybrid biotype pipiens × molestus , and  Cx. torrentium , and finally put the data in context with similar data found in a systematic literature search. Results In the host-choice experiments, we did not find a significant attraction to bird, mouse, and human lure for  Cx. pipiens   pipiens and  Cx. torrentium . Hosts of 992 field-collected specimens were identified for Germany, Iran, and Moldova, with the majority determined as  Cx. pipiens   pipiens , increasing the data available from studies known from the literature by two-thirds. All four Culex pipiens s.s./ Cx. torrentium taxa had fed with significant proportions on birds, humans, and nonhuman mammals. Merged with the data from the literature from 23 different studies showing a high prevalence of blood meals from birds, more than 50% of the blood meals of Cx. pipiens s.s. were identified as birds, while up to 39% were human and nonhuman mammalian hosts. Culex torrentium fed half on birds and half on mammals. However, there were considerable geographical differences in the host feeding patterns. Conclusions In the light of these results, the clear characterization of the Cx. pipiens s.s./ Cx. torrentium taxa as ornithophilic/-phagic or mammalophilic/-phagic needs to be reconsidered. Given their broad host ranges, all four Culex taxa could potentially serve as enzootic and bridge vectors. Graphical Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of gingival phenotype tooth shape of maxillary central incisors in respective gingival phenotypes. Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from Mar to Sep 2018. Methodology: A total of 201 patients reporting to the Department of Periodontology, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A Michigan \"O\" Probe was used to evaluate the gingival phenotype and tooth shape. If the probe outline was even slightly showing through the gingiva with the naked eye, the phenotype was regarded as thin otherwise it was labelled thick.  A single examiner recorded both the gingival biotype and the shape of the clinical crown. Results: Analysis of the data revealed that thick biotype was found in 66.17% of patients whereas thin biotype was found in 33.83%. Out of this sample, 70.70% males and 63.00% females had thick phenotype respectively whereas thin phenotype was found in 29.30% males and 37.00% females. Thick phenotype was associated with square tooth shape whereas thin phenotype was associated with slender tooth shape (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Thick biotype was more prevalent than thin biotype and thick phenotype was associated with square tooth shape whereas thin phenotype was associated with slender tooth shape.

The sweet potato (cotton) whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a major agricultural pest in various fields and vegetable crops worldwide. It causes extensive damage by direct feeding on plants, reducing quality, secreting honeydew and transmitting plant viruses. B. tabaci is known for its genetic diversity and considered a complex of biotypes or, as suggested, a complex of distinct cryptic species. Management of whiteflies relies mainly on the use of insecticides; however, its ability to develop resistance to major insecticide classes creates a serious challenge to farmers and pest control specialists. Among the cryptic species of B. tabaci , MED is considered more resistant than the MEAM1 to insecticides such as pyriproxyfen and neonicotinoids; however, in recent years there are other species of B. tabaci including MEAM1, Asia I and Asia II-1 that have developed high resistance to various groups of insecticides. Advanced methods based on molecular and gene sequence data obtained from resistant and susceptible field-collected B. tabaci populations resulted in a better understanding of resistance mechanisms in this pest. Several components of IPM-IRM (Integrated Pest Management-Insecticide Resistance Management) programs such as selective and biorational insecticides, insecticide rotation with different modes of action and nonchemical control methods are among the countermeasures of insecticide resistance management for this pest. In the current review, we concentrate on insecticide resistance and resistance management of B. tabaci, focusing on reports published mainly over the past 10 years.

Background Increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines are found in the brain and blood of people with schizophrenia. However, increased cytokines are not evident in all people with schizophrenia, but are found in a subset. The cytokine changes that best define this subset, termed the “elevated inflammatory biotype”, are still being identified. Methods Using quantitative RT-PCR, we measured five cytokine mRNAs (IL-1β, IL-2 IL-6, IL-8 and IL-18) from peripheral blood of healthy controls and of people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder ( n  = 165). We used a cluster analysis of the transcript levels to define those with low and those with elevated levels of cytokine expression. From the same cohort, eight cytokine proteins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFNγ and TNFα) were measured in serum and plasma using a Luminex Magpix-based assay. We compared peripheral mRNA and protein levels across diagnostic groups and between those with low and elevated levels of cytokine expression according to our transcription-based cluster analysis. Results We found an overall decrease in the anti-inflammatory IL-2 mRNA ( p  = 0.006) and an increase in three serum cytokines, IL-6 ( p  = 0.010), IL-8 ( p  = 0.024) and TNFα ( p  < 0.001) in people with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. A greater percentage of people with schizophrenia (48%) were categorised into the elevated inflammatory biotype compared to healthy controls (33%). The magnitude of increase in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 mRNAs in people in the elevated inflammation biotype ranged from 100 to 220% of those in the non-elevated inflammatory biotype and was comparable between control and schizophrenia groups. Blood cytokine protein levels did not correlate with cytokine mRNA levels, and plasma levels of only two cytokines distinguished the elevated and low inflammatory biotypes, with IL-1β significantly increased in the elevated cytokine control group and IL-8 significantly increased in the elevated cytokine schizophrenia group. Conclusions Our results confirm that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to have elevated levels of inflammation compared to controls. We suggest that efforts to define inflammatory status based on peripheral measures need to consider both mRNA and protein measures as each have distinct advantages and disadvantages and can yield different results.

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a polyphagous pest recognized as composed of several cryptic or sibling species. The Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and the Mediterranean (MED) putative species are invasive and destructive worldwide. The MEAM1 is established throughout the United States, while MED is documented in 27 states. This study determines the status of MED in Oklahoma and develops and validates a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for discrimination of MEAM1 and MED. In August–October 2022, whiteflies were collected from different host plants in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and identified as species based on analysis of a diagnostic fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene. MED was found in mixed infestations with MEAM1 on both sweetpotato in a greenhouse and cucumber in the field. Other cryptic species were not detected. Sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis indicated that the MED specimens belonged to the Q2 mitotype. Additionally, the secondary endosymbionts in captured and progeny whiteflies were identified. For rapid discrimination of MEAM1 and MED species, an HRM assay using a single set of primer pairs targeting the mtCOI gene was developed. Species discrimination was tested in 2 laboratories using MEAM1 and MED Q2 mitotype genomic DNA, and a synthetic plasmid containing the MED Q1 mitotype mtCOI fragment. The HRM assay was validated to discriminate MEAM1 from MED Q1 and Q2 mitotypes. This is the first report of B. tabaci MED in Oklahoma and reinforces the need for continued monitoring of this insect species complex.

Whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are well-known agricultural pests responsible for transmitting plant viruses and causing significant crop damage. B. tabaci is a complex of different cryptic species for which molecular techniques are crucial for discriminating between variants like the MEAM1 (formerly B) and MED (formerly Q) types of B. tabaci due to morphological inconsistencies. This study presents the development of a rapid, isothermal-based assay using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to detect Whitefly MEAM1 and MED biotypes. By targeting mtcox1 -specific genomic regions unique to each biotype, this assay provides a sensitive and efficient method for identifying these economically important whitefly variants in under 90 min, without the need for nucleic acid extraction and PCR machine; direct whitefly samples serve as templates and a small heat block is sufficient for assay performance. The study demonstrates successful primer validation, ensuring the specificity and sensitivity of the assay. Specifically designed primers accurately identified target mtcox1 regions unique to each type, enhancing the assay's precision. The RPA assay exhibited high specificity, detecting only the target variants without cross-reactivity to related species or non-target organisms. Additionally, the assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, capable of detecting ten-copy targets in Artificial Plasmid Control plasmid control and 100 pg whitefly nucleic acid. These results highlight the potential of RPA as a valuable tool for rapid and accurate detection of Whitefly MEAM1 and MED biotypes, aiding in the development of efficient pest control strategies in agriculture.

Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a highly adaptable and economically significant pest, poses a serious threat to agriculture due to its ability to infest a diverse range of host plants. Despite extensive research on aphid behavior and pest management, the specific mechanisms driving host adaptation in M. persicae remain inadequately explored. This review addresses this critical knowledge gap by examining the genetic, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms that enable M. persicae to adapt to various host plants. The formation of biotypes through genetic adaptation, including color polymorphism and detoxification processes, is explored as a key factor in the pest's survival and proliferation. Additionally, we analyze the behavioral strategies M. persicae employs in host selection and feeding preferences, influenced by host plant traits. Physiological adaptations, such as changes in digestive enzymes and life cycle modifications, further contribute to the aphid's capacity to overcome plant defenses. The review also considers the impact of environmental and host plant factors on these adaptations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between M. persicae and its hosts. By integrating these insights, the review proposes implications for the development of more targeted and sustainable pest management strategies. This work enhances our understanding of host adaptation in M. persicae and underscores the need for novel approaches in controlling this resilient pest, ultimately contributing to the advancement of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

Summary Intraspecific variation in dietary breadth can influence important ecological and evolutionary processes, yet the mechanisms generating this variation are usually unknown. Maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts frequently infect insect herbivores, and many have been shown to mediate key ecological interactions. For polyphagous herbivores, infection with particular symbionts is often strongly correlated with feeding on particular plant species, suggesting that facultative symbionts might directly determine herbivore food plant specificity. However, previous tests of this hypothesis have returned inconsistent results, providing little empirical support for a causal relationship between facultative symbiont infection and dietary breadth. Here, we investigate whether heritable facultative symbionts mediate dietary breadth in the polyphagous aphid, Aphis craccivora. We first determined that asexual clones of the aphid differ dramatically in performance across two leguminous food plants, locust and alfalfa, and could be considered biotypes with distinct ecological characteristics. The heritable symbiont Arsenophonus is strongly associated with locust‐origin aphids. We created experimental lines that share aphid genotypes but differed with respect to Arsenophonus infection status, and compared performance across three food plant species. Naturally Arsenophonus‐infected clones performed 2–4× better on locust and up to 75% worse on two alternate plant species than uninfected controls, clearly demonstrating that Arsenophonus promotes specialization on locust. In both laboratory and field experiments, uninfected locust‐ and alfalfa‐origin clones exhibited similar and modest performance on locust, indicating that the ‘locust‐associated biotype’ would not exist without Arsenophonus. We also hypothesized that moving Arsenophonus, via transinfection, to an alfalfa‐origin lineage would improve performance on locust and serve to expand dietary breadth. Indeed, transinfection doubled aphid performance on locust and halved aphid performance on alfalfa. However, because this aphid lineage naturally performs better on alfalfa, the transinfected symbiont functionally equalized aphid performance between locust and alfalfa, making the alfalfa biotype more generalized. Thus, the same symbiont can either reduce or expand dietary breadth, depending on host genotype. Our results unequivocally demonstrate that symbiont gain or loss can instantaneously and substantially change the topology of food plant use in a polyphagous insect, modifying diet in ways that potentially influence the insect's ecological niche, evolutionary trajectory and pest status. Lay Summary

The development of biotypes of the cereal aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was initially found only on wheat, but barley can also be critical in the process.To address this issue, S. avenae clones were collected on barley and wheat, genotyped with six microsatellite markers, and tested with 58 wheat/ barley varieties. Based on the virulence response profiles on different resistant wheat/barley varieties and three susceptible controls, six biotypes of S. avenae were identified. We developed a new system to distinguish between S. avenae biotypes by using only five barley/wheat varieties (i.e., barley: Dulihuang, Zaoshu No.3, Xiyin No.2; wheat: Zhong 4 wumang, 186-TM12-34). The unique virulence profiles of different S. avenae biotypes were further verified by testing their life-history traits (i.e., 10-d fecundity and total developmental time of nymphs) on the abovementioned five barley/wheat varieties. Among all the identified biotypes, biotype 1 was predominant, occupying over 82% of the total in each province. Biotype 5 was found only in Xinjiang, whereas biotype 6 occurred only in Zhejiang. The principal coordinate analysis with microsatellite data suggested apparently low genetic differentiation between biotypes 1 and 2. In most cases, extents of genetic divergence between different S. avenae biotypes could reflect differences in virulence response profiles of these biotypes, implying a genetic component for evolutionary relationships among these biotypes. Our study provides insights into the development and evolution of aphid biotypes, and a firm basis for clarifying the underlying genetic and evolutionary mechanisms.