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The granulate ambrosia beetle (GAB) Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was first formally detected in New Zealand in 2019. Since then, GAB has subsequently been found infesting numerous tree species in the Auckland region.Flight intercept traps baited with ethanol lures were deployed from October 2019 to May 2021 at three sites in the Auckland region to ascertain the phenology of GAB in New Zealand. Two distinct peak flight periods were identified in early and late summer, while a smaller and inconsistent third peak was detected in early autumn. Logistical analysis of GAB captures in the ethanol‐lured traps and degree‐day (DD) accumulation indicated that 90% of flight activity is completed by 800 DD.To assess monitoring tactics, flight intercept traps were baited with three different ethanol lures with varying release rates or ethanol‐soaked or non‐soaked wood bolts from three species of trees. A lure releasing 2 g ethanol per day was most effective at capturing GAB. Ethanol‐soaked bolts were less effective than the lures.Xylosandrus crassiusculus represents a significant risk for shrubs and trees native to New Zealand, as well as commercial horticultural and forestry trees. We recommend using ethanol‐lured panel traps for monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus radiata (radiata pine or Monterey pine) is threatened in its native range in California and, at the same time, one of the most widely-planted tree species worldwide, especially in the southern hemisphere. It is affected by a wide range of plant-feeding insects both in its native range and in regions where it is planted as an introduced tree. In addition, there are many invasive insects that have colonised P. radiata, in some cases causing major damage. Here, our objectives were to provide a complete and up-to-date overview of all insect species recorded from P. radiata worldwide, to summarise where these insects are native and which countries or regions they have invaded, to categorise them according to their impacts as damaging species or as vectors of plant pathogens, and to examine border interceptions to determine whether pathways exist that would allow these species to enter and potentially invade additional regions. Our compilation of insects feeding on P. radiata provides a list of 649 species (and an additional 11 species identified at the genus level only). Coleoptera is the most represented order in the list (299 species), followed by Lepidoptera (224 species) and Hemiptera (65 species). We classified 28 species as high-impact, including 12 true bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), eight Lepidoptera, five other Coleoptera, two Hymenoptera and one Hemiptera. These species can cause substantial direct damage or act as vectors of highly-damaging plant pathogens. Other species cause only occasional damage, rarely requiring management (classified as 'low-medium impact') or they are generally benign ('negligible impact'). Hemiptera and Scolytinae have a high proportion of species established outside their native range. The Nearctic and Neotropic regions have been invaded by the most high-impact species, mainly by species native to Europe. Border interceptions of 185 species (29% of those on our list) were recorded during import inspections between 1995-2021, indicating considerable potential for further invasions. The findings of our study can be used to identify potential high-impact invaders and the pathways that may require more phytosanitary attention. Furthermore, our analyses provide useful insights into the insect-plant interactions resulting from the global distribution of a tree species and the native and non-native insects feeding on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hylurgus ligniperda (F.) and Hylastes ater (Paykull) are secondary bark beetles that have successfully spread beyond their native range, particularly into Pinus spp. plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. They feed on the phloem and cambial regions of highly stressed and recently dead Pinus spp. Here H. ligniperda and H. ater egg, larval, and pupal survival and development rates were modeled. Survival was variably influenced by temperatures depending on the life stage, but general trends were for H. ligniperda to tolerate warmer temperatures in comparison to H. ater. Nonlinear models showed 26, 29, and 34°C are the optimal temperature (maximum development rates) for the development of eggs, larvae, and pupae of H. ligniperda. In contrast, optimal temperature predictions were lower for H. ater , with estimates of 26, 22, and 23°C for the development of eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. H. ligniperda pre-imaginal stages were more tolerant to high temperatures, and H. ater pre-imaginal stages were more tolerant to low temperatures. Understanding the thermal requirements and limits for development for these two pests can assist in modeling emergence times, their current and potential species distribution and have potential phytosanitary applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important aspect of analyzing the risk of unwanted organisms establishing in an area is understanding the pathways by which they arrive. Evaluating the risks of these pathways requires use of data from multiple sources, which frequently are uncertain. To address the needs of agencies responsible for biosecurity operations, we present an Integrated Biosecurity Risk Assessment Model (IBRAM) for evaluating the risk of establishment and dispersal of invasive species along trade pathways. The IBRAM framework consists of multiple linked models which describe pest entry into the country, escape along trade pathways, initial dispersal into the environment, habitat suitability, probabilities of establishment and spread, and the consequences of these invasions. Bayesian networks (BN) are used extensively to model these processes. The model includes dynamic BN components and geographic data, resulting in distributions of output parameters over spatial and temporal axes. IBRAM is supported by a web‐based tool that allows users to run the model on real‐world pest examples and investigate the impact of alternative risk management scenarios, to explore the effect of various interventions and resource allocations. Two case studies are provided as examples of how IBRAM may be used: Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are unwanted organisms with the potential to invade Aotearoa New Zealand, and IBRAM has been influential in evaluating the efficacy of pathway management to mitigate the risk of their establishment in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical biological control, the introduction of natural enemies to new environments to control unwanted pests or weeds, is, despite numerous successful examples, associated with rising concerns about unwanted environmental impacts such as population decline of nontarget species. Recognition of these biosafety risks is globally increasing, and prerelease assessments of biological control agents (BCAs) have become more rigorous in many countries. We review the current approaches to risk assessment for BCAs as used in Australasia, Europe, and North America. Traditionally, these assessments focus on providing assurance about the specificity of a proposed BCA, generally via a list of suitable versus nonsuitable hosts determined through laboratory specificity tests (i.e., by determining the BCA's physiological host range). The outcome of interactions of proposed agents in the natural environment can differ from laboratory‐based predictions. Potential nontarget host testing may be incomplete, additional ecological barriers under field conditions may limit encounters between BCA and nontargets or reduce attack levels, and BCAs could disperse to habitats beyond those used by the target species and adversely affect nontarget species. We advocate for the adoption of more comprehensive, ecologically‐based, probabilistic risk assessment approaches to BCA introductions. An example is provided using a Bayesian network that can integrate information on probabilities and uncertainties of a BCA to spread and establish in new habitats, interact with nontarget species in these habitats, and eventually negatively impact the populations of these nontarget species. Our new model, Biocontrol Adverse Impact Probability Assessment, aims to be incorporated into a structured decision‐making framework to support national regulatory authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma often displays major vascular invasion. • Portal vein and superior mesenteric artery resection can be performed safely. • Venous end-to-end anastomosis is not always feasible during pancreaticoduodenectomy. • Directly available peritoneum graft conduit doesn't require anticoagulation. • Glutaraldehyde solidifies and improves handling of peritoneum graft conduit. Combined total portal vein (PV) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a challenging task that is no longer considered as a contra-indication to achieve R0 in borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We report a 66-year-old female with BR-PDAC of the head of the pancreas in whom PV and SMA were replaced with a glutaraldehyde-fixed autologous peritoneo-fascial graft (APG) and a splenomesenteric arterial bypass, respectively, during the PD. When PV venorraphy or end-to-end anastomosis is not feasible, APG conduit, immediately available without extra-incision, does not need postoperative anticoagulation and is associated with a low risk of infection and thrombosis. If fixed in glutaraldehyde, handling, risk of compression when placed intra-peritoneally and long-term patency of the graft are improved. Glutaraldehyde-fixed APG is a strategy that every surgeon should bear in mind for PV replacement during PD and other HBP surgical procedures, especially if a vascular resection is unforeseen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Peroperative assessment of resectability in pancreas-sparing duodenectomy for distal duodenal (D3-D4) adenocarcinoma is challenging for surgeons. Presentation of case We report a 68-year-old man with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the fourth portion of duodenum which had been diagnosed with upper endoscopy and CT. A pancreas-sparing duodenectomy with loco-regional lymph node resection using the superior mesenteric artery first approach was performed. Discussion Adenocarcinoma of the fourth portion of duodenum is rare. It has non-specific symptoms. The diagnosis is difficult and is frequently delayed. Surgery is the only chance of cure. After peroperative assessment of resectability, with intraoperative ultrasound, complete exposition of the duodenum and entire dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using the artery-first approach technique should be done to assess for tumor resectability, which should include the possibility of complete lymphadenectomy of the mesenteric root. If technically feasible, a pancreas-sparing resection should be preferred to avoid pancreatectomy-related morbi-mortality. The aim of the surgery is a R0 resection which has a 5-year survival rate between 25% and 75%. Conclusion Artery-first approach of the SMA should be considered by surgeons in adenocarcinoma of the distal duodenum to identify any contra-indications to proceed further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Non-anastomotic biliary strictures (NAS) represent a major cause of morbidity, graft loss, and mortality after liver transplantation (LTx). NAS can result from an ischemic/immune-mediated injury, or from the cytotoxic effect that bile salts have on the biliary mucosa under hypothermic conditions. For this reason it is crucial to flush the bile duct at the time of procurement. Presentation of case We report a case of an imported liver with an accidentally ligated and subsequently completely unflushed common bile duct. The recipient was a 60 year-old man suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma and post-alcoholic cirrhosis. Post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 18 days. Within 2 months post-transplantation, a rapidly evolving cholestasis was diagnosed. Endoscopic-retrograde-cholangio-pancreaticography revealed diffuse NAS. Due to the rapid clinical and biochemical deterioration there was no other option than re-transplantation. Discussion Suboptimally flushed bile ducts are often encountered and represent a risk factor for NAS after LTx. This unique case represented an extreme form where the biliary tree was not flushed at all. The dilemma of this unforeseen situation raised the question to transplant or discard this liver for transplantation? Given the organ shortage, the pressure to use less-than-ideal organs, the otherwise normal aspect of the liver and our incapacity to predict with certainty the development (or not) of NAS, we accepted this liver for transplantation. Conclusion This case illustrates a contrario the importance of flushing the bile duct and risk of extensive dissection of the hepatic hilum at the time of procurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated how modifications in winter and spring temperature conditions may affect the survival of a spring-hatching Lepidoptera, the oak processionary moth Thaumetopoea processionea., Supercooling and chilling injury experiments indicate that eggs are especially cold hardy at the start of the winter period, although this ability is reduced later in the season. In the spring, young larvae are sufficiently cold hardy to ensure no direct mortality as a result of late frosts., A comparison of phenological models shows that neonate larvae may await the unfolding of new oak leaves for relatively long periods (e.g. 1-30 days). Under both low (4°C after 5 days at 16°C) and high temperature experimental scenarios (constant 16°C), the majority of neonate larvae can survive starvation for more than 2 weeks., Larvae may also suffer from food depletion once their development has been initiated (e.g. during cold springs) if the threshold temperature for feeding is not reached for several consecutive days, or in the case of late frosts affecting foliage availability. When temperature is reduced to 4°C, developing larvae become inactive and do not feed anymore; their starvation survival capability is reduced to approximately 2 weeks (cold spring hypothesis). At 16°C, developing larvae that are deprived of food can only survive for 10 days (late frost hypothesis)., We conclude that, in the oak processionary moth, neonate larvae are relatively well adapted to early hatching relative to budburst, ensuring them the highest foliage quality for development. In some years, however, phenological asynchrony or cold spring conditions may affect the persistence of populations at the limits of the species' range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a rare cause of potentially lethal infection and sepsis in transplant recipients. Listeriosis is usually described after kidney or bone marrow transplant, and has been less frequently reported after liver transplantation. Here, the authors present two cases of severe Listeria infection occurring within 4 months after complicated liver transplantation in patients still recovering on the ward. The patients were successfully treated by intravenous ampicillin. These cases should remind transplant physicians that listeriosis may develop in liver transplant recipients, that food safety advice should be provided, and that intravenous ampicillin might be an effective treatment for systemic listeriosis in solid organ recipients. It is likely that trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis might help prevent early listeriosis after solid organ transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching point: Anticoagulation is advised in thrombosed portal vein aneurysm (PVA) without portal hypertension., (Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s).)