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The concept of genetic improvement in relation to biological control involves the exploitation of natural genetic variation for the benefit of existing biological control agents (BCAs). Despite recent calls for this process to be adopted in biological control research, there is no clear overview of the current state of research into genetic variation within a biological control context, including quantifiable estimates such as narrow-sense heritability (h2). In this systematic review, we aim to determine the current state of research on the genetic variation of biological control traits in natural enemies. After the searching process, screening for papers that can deliver on our research question reduced the initial 2,927 search hits to only a mere 69 papers for data extraction. Of these, the majority (73.6%) did not report quantitative values for genetic variation. Extracting the traits measured in these papers, we categorized them according to two approaches; the first related to fitness components, and the second related to biological control importance. This systematic review highlights the need for more rigorous reporting of the quantitative values of genetic variation to enable the successful genetic improvement of biological control agents.

Biological control is widely successful for controlling pests, but effective biocontrol agents are now more difficult to obtain due to more restrictive international trade laws. Coupled with increasing demand, the efficacy of existing and new biocontrol agents needs to be improved with genetic and genomic approaches. Although they have been underutilised in the past, applying genetic and genomic techniques is becoming more feasible from both technological and economic perspectives. We review current methods and provide a framework for using them, incorporating evolutionary and ecological principles. First, it is necessary to identify which biocontrol trait to select and in what direction. Next, the genes or markers linked to these traits need be determined to better target their selection, followed by how to implement this information into a breeding program. Choosing a trait can be assisted by modelling to account for the proper agro-ecological context, and by knowing which traits have sufficiently high heritability values. We provide guidelines for designing genomic strategies in biocontrol programs, which depends on the organism, budget, and desired objective. Genomic approaches start with genome sequencing and assembly. We provide a guide for deciding the most successful sequencing strategy for biocontrol agents. Gene discovery involves quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and gene editing. Improving biocontrol practices include marker-assisted selection, genomic selection and microbiome manipulation of biocontrol agents, and monitoring for genetic variation during rearing and post-release. We conclude by identifying the most promising applications of genetic and genomic methods to improve biological control efficacy.

Resume Introduction Le carcinome a petites cellules (CPC) est un cancer rapidement evolutif de tres mauvais pronostic. Sa chimio-sensibilite implique un traitement rapide. L’hyponatremie du CPC rapportee au syndrome de secretion inappropriee d’hormone antidiuretique est classique. Nous rapportons un cas d’hyponatremie severe induite par la chimiotherapie ayant entraine une prise en charge de soins intensifs. Observation Un patient âge de 68 ans est pris en charge pour un cancer bronchique a petites cellules envahissant le poumon droit. A la premiere cure, le patient presente un coma necessitant une prise en charge en soins intensifs le deuxieme jour (j2) de chimiotherapie (cisplatine-vepeside) qui est rapporte a une hyponatremie severe (107 mmol/L) et d’evolution favorable sous therapeutiques specifiques. Le patient presentera ces memes episodes aux j2 des cures suivantes mais avec des manifestations cliniques de moins en moins intenses. Conclusions La notion d’hyponatremie induite par la chimiotherapie du CPC est peu connue. Ce cas clinique met en evidence le risque d’hyponatremie severe sous chimiotherapie du carcinome a petites cellules. Celle-ci pourrait etre correlee a la fonte tumorale. Une surveillance biologique lors du j2 de chimiotherapie est preconisee.

La BPCO, maladie chronique respiratoire frequente, est un probleme de sante publique. L’objectif de ce travail etait d’evaluer la mise en place d’une evaluation des pratiques professionnelles concernant la prise en charge des exacerbations de BPCO au sein du CHU d’Amiens. Les donnees concernant la prise en charge etaient comparees avant (periode 1) et apres (periode 2) diffusion des recommandations emises par la Societe de pneumologie de langue francaise. Durant 2 ans, 63 patients etaient inclus (âge moyen 62 ans). Les prescriptions de salbutamol et de sulfate de magnesium par voie intraveineuse etaient diminuees de maniere significative entre la periode 1 et la periode 2, respectivement 61 % contre 10 % ( p p = 0,001). De meme que l’utilisation de fluidifiants bronchiques (50 % contre 16 %, p = 0,004). Les prescriptions de corticoides et d’antibiotiques etaient plus en accord avec les recommandations (34 % contre 77 %, p = 0,001 et 62 % contre 87 %, p = 0,024). Des resultats similaires etaient observes dans l’analyse en sous-groupe. La kinesitherapie respiratoire etait prescrite a tous les patients en periode 2. On ne retrouvait pas de difference significative sur la duree d’hospitalisation (mediane de 8 jours). Tous les patients hospitalises durant la periode 2 ont beneficie d’un conseil minimal contre 86 % des patients hospitalises en periode 1. Notre etude montre une importante modification des pratiques cliniques apres diffusion des recommandations avec une amelioration de la prise en charge et montre qu’il existe un interet majeur a la realisation d’EPP pour ameliorer la prise en charge des exacerbations aigues de BPCO.