scholarly journals A day in the life of a Senior Research Scientist

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-47
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
Senior Research Scientist ◽  
Postdoctoral Position ◽  
Senior Research ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
First Job

Jennina Taylor-Wells received a BSc in Biotechnology at Oxford Brookes University in 2008, followed by a PhD in Physiology. Her first job in 2013 was a postdoctoral position also at Oxford Brookes University, where she identified mutations in insect receptors, that were linked to insecticide resistance. Her interest in mosquitoes led her to the University of Florida in 2016. In Florida she investigated how insecticides elicit their action on mosquitoes, which provided her with a wider interest in vector control and public health. Jennina has since returned to the UK and now works in industry, continuing to research novel methods to control mosquitoes.

scholarly journals Public Health Education at the University of Florida: Synergism and Educational Innovation

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (S1) ◽  
pp. S83-S87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Perri ◽  
Mary Peoples-Sheps ◽  
Amy Blue ◽  
John A. Lednicky ◽  
Cindy Prins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Educational Innovation ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
The University

scholarly journals Experimental evolution supports the potential of neonicotinoid-pyrethroid combination for managing insecticide resistance in malaria vectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Gonse Zoh ◽  
Jean-Marc Bonneville ◽  
Jordan Tutagata ◽  
Frederic Laporte ◽  
Behi K. Fodjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Site Mutation ◽  
Protein Variant ◽  
Selection Signature ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Selection Of Resistance

AbstractThe introduction of neonicotinoids for managing insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is of high interest as they interact with a biochemical target not previously used in public health. In this concern, Bayer developed a combination of the neonicotinoid clothianidin and the pyrethroid deltamethrin (brand name Fludora Fusion) as a new vector control tool. Although this combination proved to be efficient against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes, its ability to prevent the selection of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid resistance alleles was not investigated. In this context, the objective of this work was to study the dynamics and the molecular mechanisms of resistance of An. gambiae to the separated or combined components of this combination. A field-derived An. gambiae line carrying resistance alleles to multiple insecticides at low frequencies was used as a starting for 33 successive generations of controlled selection. Resistance levels to each insecticide and target site mutation frequencies were monitored throughout the selection process. Cross resistance to other public health insecticides were also investigated. RNA-seq was used to compare gene transcription variations and polymorphisms across all lines. This study confirmed the potential of this insecticide combination to impair the selection of resistance as compared to its two separated components. Deltamethrin selection led to the rapid enrichment of the kdr L1014F target-site mutation. Clothianidin selection led to the over-transcription of multiple cytochrome P450s including some showing high homology with those conferring neonicotinoid resistance in other insects. A strong selection signature associated with clothianidin selection was also observed on a P450 gene cluster previously associated with resistance. Within this cluster, the gene CYP6M1 showed the highest selection signature together with a transcription profile supporting a role in clothianidin resistance. Modelling the impact of point mutations selected by clothianidin on CYP6M1 protein structure showed that selection retained a protein variant with a modified active site potentially enhancing clothianidin metabolism. In the context of the recent deployment of neonicotinoids for mosquito control and their frequent usage in agriculture, the present study highlights the benefit of combining them with other insecticides for preventing the selection of resistance and sustaining vector control activities.

scholarly journals Neonicotinoid and pyrethroid combination: A tool to manage insecticide resistance in malaria vectors? Insights from experimental evolution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Gonse Zoh ◽  
Jean-Marc Bonneville ◽  
Jordan Tutagana ◽  
Frederic Laporte ◽  
Behi Kouadio Fodjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Site Mutation ◽  
Selection Signature ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Selection Of Resistance

Background: The introduction of neonicotinoids for managing insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is of high interest as they interact with a biochemical target not previously used in public health. In this concern, Bayer developed a combination of the neonicotinoid clothianidin and the pyrethroid deltamethrin (brand name Fludora Fusion) as a new vector control tool. Although this combination proved to be efficient against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes, its ability to prevent the selection of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid resistance alleles was not investigated. In this context, the objective of this work was to study the dynamics and the molecular mechanisms of resistance of An. gambiae to the separated or combined components of this combination. A field-derived An. gambiae line carrying resistance alleles to multiple insecticides at low frequencies was used as a starting for 33 successive generations of controlled selection. Resistance levels to each insecticide and target site mutation frequencies were monitored throughout the selection process. Cross resistance to other public health insecticides were also investigated. RNA-seq was used to compare gene transcription variations and polymorphisms across all lines. Results: This study confirmed the potential of this insecticide combination to impair the selection of resistance as compared to its two separated components. Deltamethrin selection led to the rapid enrichment of the kdr L1014F target-site mutation while clothianidin selection led to the over-transcription of multiple cytochrome P450s including some showing high homology with the ones conferring neonicotinoid resistance in other insects. A strong selection signature associated with clothianidin selection was observed on a cytochrome P450 gene cluster previously associated with resistance. Within this cluster, the gene CYP6M1 showed the highest selection signature together with a transcription profile supporting a role in clothianidin resistance. Modelling the impact of point mutations selected by clothianidin on CYP6M1 protein structure suggested that the selection of variants affecting its active site can enhance clothianidin metabolism. Conclusions: In the context of the recent deployment of neonicotinoids for mosquito control and their frequent usage in agriculture, the present study highlights the benefit of combining them with other insecticides for preventing the selection of resistance and sustaining vector control activities.

scholarly journals Cell scientist to watch – Christine Faulkner

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (24) ◽  
pp. jcs256826
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Postdoctoral Position ◽  
Molecule Transport ◽  
University Of Edinburgh ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Function ◽  
The University ◽  
Sydney Australia

ABSTRACTChristine Faulkner pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney, Australia. She then joined Robyn Overall's research group at the same institution to obtain her PhD in molecular and cell biology, where she characterised plasmodesmata, which are connection channels between plant cells that allow for communication and molecule transport. In 2005, Christine moved to the UK to continue studying plasmodesmata characterisation and function, as well as trying to understand their link to infection outcomes. Her first postdoctoral position was with Karl Oparka at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a second at the John Innes Centre in Norwich with Professor Andrew Maule. She subsequently joined the lab of Silke Robatzek at The Sainsbury Laboratory, also in Norwich, before starting an independent fellowship at Oxford Brookes University, in Oxford, in 2012. In December 2013, Christine returned to the John Innes Centre to establish her own lab. In 2016, she was awarded an ERC Consolidator grant. Her lab is trying to understand how cell–cell communication occurs in plants, focusing on plasmodesmata, and how this process is crucial for regulation of the plant immune response.

scholarly journals Seasonal and geographic variation in insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti in southern Ecuador

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadie J. Ryan ◽  
Stephanie J. Mundis ◽  
Alex Aguirre ◽  
Catherine A. Lippi ◽  
Efraín Beltrán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Dengue Transmission ◽  
Southern Ecuador ◽  
Zika Fever

AbstractInsecticide resistance (IR) can undermine efforts to control vectors of public health importance. Aedes aegypti is the main vector of resurging diseases in the Americas such as yellow fever and dengue, and recently emerging chikungunya and Zika fever, which have caused unprecedented epidemics in the region. Vector control remains the primary intervention to prevent outbreaks of Aedes-transmitted diseases. In many high-risk regions, like southern Ecuador, we have limited information on IR. In this study, Ae. aegypti IR was measured across four cities in southern Ecuador using phenotypic assays and genetic screening for alleles associated with pyrethroid IR. Bottle bioassays showed significant inter-seasonal variation in resistance to deltamethrin, a pyrethroid commonly used by the Ministry of Health, and alpha-cypermethrin, as well as between-city differences in deltamethrin resistance. There was also a significant difference in phenotypic response to the organophosphate, Malathion, between two cities during the second sampling season. Frequencies of the resistant V1016I genotype ranged from 0.13 to 0.68. Frequencies of the resistant F1534C genotype ranged from 0.63 to 1.0, with sampled populations in Machala and Huaquillas at fixation for the resistant genotype in all sampled seasons. In Machala and Portovelo, there were statistically significant inter-seasonal variation in genotype frequencies for V1016I. Resistance levels were highest in Machala, a city with hyperendemic dengue transmission and historically intense insecticide use. Despite evidence that resistance alleles conferred phenotypic resistance to pyrethroids, there was not a precise correspondence between these indicators. For the F1534C gene, 17.6% of homozygous mutant mosquitoes and 70.8% of heterozygotes were susceptible, while for the V1016I gene, 45.6% homozygous mutants and 55.6% of heterozygotes were susceptible. This study shows spatiotemporal variability in IR in Ae. aegypti populations in southern coastal Ecuador, and provides an initial examination of IR in this region, helping to guide vector control efforts for Ae. aegypti.Author SummaryMosquito control is the primary method of managing the spread of many diseases transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). Throughout much of Latin America the transmission of diseases like dengue fever and Zika fever pose a serious risk to public health. The rise of insecticide resistance (IR) is a major threat to established vector control programs, which may fail if commonly used insecticides are rendered ineffective. Public health authorities in southern coastal Ecuador, a high-risk region for diseases vectored by Ae. aegypti, previously had limited information on the status of IR in local populations of mosquitoes. Here, we present the first assessment of IR in adult Ae. aegypti to insecticides (deltamethrin, Malathion, and alphacypermethrin) routinely used in public health vector control in four cities along Ecuador’s southern coast. Observed patterns of IR differed between cities and seasons of mosquito sampling, suggesting that IR status may fluctuate in space and time. The highest overall resistance was detected in Machala, a city with hyperendemic dengue transmission and a long history of intense insecticide use. Monitoring for IR is an integral component of vector control services, where alternative management strategies are deployed when IR is detected.

scholarly journals A day in the life of a Research Scientist

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-47
Keyword(s):  
Protein Engineering ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
East Anglia ◽  
Research Scientist ◽  
Feed Industry ◽  
Research Associate ◽  
Senior Research ◽  
The University ◽  
First Job

Melissa Salmon received a BSc in Biochemistry with first class honours at the University of East Anglia in 2006, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry, which she completed in 2010. Her first job was as a Research Scientist at the John Innes Centre, Norwich where Melissa worked for 5 years researching natural product biochemistry. She became passionate about protein engineering and enzyme biochemistry and in 2015 she returned to the University of East Anglia. Melissa is now a Senior Research Associate working on engineering enzymes for the animal feed industry. Lorenza Giannella (Training Manager, Biochemical Society) spoke to her about her work.

scholarly journals Assessing the anti-resistance potential of public health vaporizer formulations and insecticide mixtures with pyrethroids using transgenic Drosophila lines

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang Ngoc Bao Luong ◽  
Arunas Damijonaitis ◽  
Ralf Nauen ◽  
John Vontas ◽  
Sebastian Horstmann
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Pyrethroid Resistance ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Detoxification Enzymes ◽  
Modes Of Action ◽  
Commercial Mixture ◽  
Insecticide Mixtures

Abstract Background Insecticide resistance—and especially pyrethroid resistance—is a major challenge for vector control in public health. The use of insecticide mixtures utilizing alternative modes of action, as well as new formulations facilitating their uptake, is likely to break resistance and slow the development of resistance. Methods We used genetically defined highly resistant lines of Drosophila melanogaster with distinct target-site mutations and detoxification enzymes to test the efficacy and anti-resistance potential of novel mixture formulations (i.e. Fludora® Fusion consisting of deltamethrin and clothianidin), as well as emulsifiable concentrate transfluthrin, compared to alternative, currently used pyrethroid insecticide formulations for vector control. Results The commercial mixture Fludora® Fusion, consisting of both a pyrethroid (deltamethrin) and a neonicotinoid (clothianidin), performed better than either of the single active ingredients against resistant transgenic flies. Transfluthrin, a highly volatile active ingredient with a different molecular structure and primary exposure route (respiration), was also efficient and less affected by the combination of metabolic and target-site resistance. Both formulations substantially reduced insecticide resistance across different pyrethroid-resistant Drosophila transgenic strains. Conclusions The use of mixtures containing two unrelated modes of action as well as a formulation based on transfluthrin showed increased efficacy and resistance-breaking potential against genetically defined highly resistant Drosophila flies. The experimental model remains to be validated with mosquito populations in the field. The possible introduction of new transfluthrin-based products and mixtures for indoor residual spraying, in line with other combination and mixture vector control products recently evaluated for use in public health, will provide solutions for better insecticide resistance management. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Segmenting communities as public health strategy: a view from the social sciences and humanities

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Agomoni Ganguli-Mitra ◽  
Ingrid Young ◽  
Lukas Engelmann ◽  
Ian Harper ◽  
Donna McCormack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Social Sciences And Humanities ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
University Of Edinburgh ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

On the 5th of May 2020, a group of modellers, epidemiologists and biomedical scientists from the University of Edinburgh proposed a “segmenting and shielding” approach to easing the lockdown in the UK over the coming months. Their proposal, which has been submitted to the government and since been discussed in the media, offers what appears to be a pragmatic solution out of the current lockdown. The approach identifies segments of the population as at-risk groups and outlines ways in which these remain shielded, while ‘healthy’ segments would be allowed to return to some kind of normality, gradually, over several weeks. This proposal highlights how narrowly conceived scientific responses may result in unintended consequences and repeat harmful public health practices. As an interdisciplinary group of researchers from the humanities and social sciences at the University of Edinburgh, we respond to this proposal and highlight how ethics, history, medical sociology and anthropology - as well as disability studies and decolonial approaches - offer critical engagement with such responses, and call for more creative and inclusive responses to public health crises.

scholarly journals Insecticide Resistance Status of Anopheles Arabiensis in Irrigated and Non-irrigated Areas in Western Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Orondo ◽  
Steven Nyanjom ◽  
Harrysone Atieli ◽  
John Githure ◽  
Benyl Ondeto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Anopheles Arabiensis ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
Irrigated Area

Abstract Background: Malaria control in Kenya is based on case management and vector control using long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Irrigation practices maintain vector population and thus transmission during dry season. Development of insecticide resistance further compromises the effectiveness of insecticide-based vector control programs. The aim of this study was to assess the status and mechanism of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in irrigated and non-irrigated areas in western Kenya and the contribution of public health interventions and agriculture to insecticide resistance. Methodology: The study was carried out in 2018–2019 in Homa Bay County, western Kenya. Anopheline larvae were collected in irrigated and non-irrigated fields, reared to F1 adults and 2-5 day-old female vector mosquitoes were subjected to standard WHO insecticide susceptibility tests. The test specimens were then screened for knock-down resistance, kdr alleles, and analyzed for presence of acetyl-cholinesterase inhibiting enzyme; angiotensin-converting enzyme (Ace-1) genes. All field-collected samples were preserved for species identification by polymerase chain reaction. To ascertain the probable cause of vector resistance to insecticides, a questionnaire was administered to farmers, households and veterinary officers in the study area to assess the use of public health and agricultural insecticides/pesticides.Results: Anopheles arabiensis was the only species tested in irrigated (100%, n=154) area and predominant species in the non-irrigated areas (97.5%, n= 162) and the rest were An. gambiae sensu stricto. In 2018, susceptibility was observed in the vector species in the irrigated area and phenotypic resistance in the non-irrigated area while in 2019, phenotypic resistance was observed from all areas However, susceptibility to malathion (mortality 100%), DDT (98.98%-100%) and PBO- deltamethrin (100%) was observed. Molecular analysis of the vectors from the irrigated and non-irrigated areas revealed low levels of leucine- serine/ phenylalanine substitution at position 1014 (L1014S/ L1014F) with a mutation frequencies of 1%-16%, and almost zero mutation in Ace-1R gene (0.7%). In addition to very high coverage of LLINs impregnated with pyrethroids and IRS with organophosphate insecticides, pyrethroids were the predominant chemical class in pesticides used for crop and animal protection.Conclusion: Extensive use of pyrethroids in agriculture and public health could have resulted in the initial development of insecticide resistance. The susceptibility of these malaria vectors to organophosphates and PBO synergist in pyrethroids offers a promising future for IRS and ITN based vector control interventions.

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