ubsequent overweight or obesity, as well as the biological and behavioral mechanisms if the relation is causal.The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera Pentatomidae), is an Asian invasive plant-feeding insect and an emerging kiwifruit pest. Knowledge about the BMSB dynamics and damage to kiwifruit outside the bug native range is scarce. This 2-yr study was aimed at describing phenology and infestation dynamics of BMSB in green-fleshed and yellow-fleshed kiwifruits. Natural enemies were investigated as well. Field surveys were performed weekly in two sites in Northern Italy by pheromone-baited traps and visual samplings, from early Spring to mid-Autumn. All BMSB life stages were collected and kept under observation to assess occurrence of parasitoids. A sample of fruit was dissected weekly to detect BMSB feeding injuries. In 2018-2019, BMSB was found throughout the growing season with two generations per year with a large overlapping of all life stages. Pheromone-baited traps and visual samplings gave consistent results and can be both considered effective sampling methods on kiwifruit. Fruit injuries were significantly related to kiwifruit development stage, weekly captures of BMSBs by traps, and cultivar. Several BMSB egg masses were found on kiwifruit leaves. Anastatus bifasciatus Geoffroy (Hymenoptera Eupelmidae), a native egg parasitoid with Palearctic distribution, emerged from 20.14% of eggs in 2018, but the percent parasitism dropped to 0.47% in 2019. In both years, other natural enemies were found exerting negligible pressure on BMSB populations. The determination of reliable economic thresholds for BMSB on kiwifruit is urgently needed to develop a robust and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, and this study provides data towards that direction.Chagas disease is a very important vector-borne disease in México, and Triatoma dimidiata sensu stricto (Latreille) is one of the most important vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, mainly in southern and central states. In the Pacific Coast states with the highest prevalence of human T. cruzi infection, T. dimidiata s. s. is considered as a secondary vector. However, the vectorial capacity of those populations has not been studied. Therefore, the vector characteristics of three populations of T. dimidiata s. check details s. in western México were evaluated in this study. The populations were maintained in the laboratory at 27 ± 1°C and 75% ± 5% RH with a 1212 h (lightdark) regime, fed on rabbits in a fortnight basis. The development times were short (172-238 d), and the number of bloodmeals to molt was low (11). Mortality was moderate (36-45%), the onset of feeding was relatively rapid (0.5-1.7 min), and feedings were extended (>15 min). More than 40% of individuals in most instars defecated in one of three categories 86%). Thus, the T. dimidiata s. s. in the three populations are potentially efficient vectors of T. cruzi and could contribute to the high prevalence of infection in human populations in western México.

Informal carers provide the majority of the support for persons with dementia living at home. Restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 have had a profound impact on the daily life of the entire population. This study provides insight into the impact of these restrictions on carers of people with dementia living at home.

Qualitative semi-structured interviews.

Purposive sample of carers who provide at least 10hours of care a week for the person with dementia living at home.

United Kingdom.

Twenty-three carers were interviewed, and thematic analysis identified three main themes-Changes to daily life, impact on carer health and wellbeing and reduced support from health and social support networks. The results highlight the impact of restrictions imposed on daily life and routines due to the pandemic, wellbeing of carers, reduced social support, lack of access to health and care professionals and respite for carers. The restrictions have had negative consequences on carers’ wellbeing, and they have experienced difficulties in accessing formal care services and respite care.

Carers attempt to continue to provide physical, emotional and practical support for persons with dementia in the community throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. To prevent a future carer crisis, carers need better support systems including formal carer services, telecare solutions that work for them and additional support for respite, as the restrictions from this pandemic continue.

Carers attempt to continue to provide physical, emotional and practical support for persons with dementia in the community throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. To prevent a future carer crisis, carers need better support systems including formal carer services, telecare solutions that work for them and additional support for respite, as the restrictions from this pandemic continue.

Wheat bran (WB) has been associated with improved gastrointestinal health and a reduced risk of metabolic disorders. Reducing the particle size of WB might increase its fermentability and facilitate cross-feeding between the gut bacteria and in this way produce health effects.

We investigated the impact of WB with reduced particle size (WB RPS) on colonic fermentation and host health in normal-weight (NW) and obese (OB) participants compared with placebo (PL).

During 1 mo, 36 NW and 14 OB participants daily consumed 20 g WB RPS or PL (maltodextrin). Before and after the intervention, fasting serum and fecal SCFAs, fecal metabolite profiles, and microbiota composition were measured as fermentation parameters. Fecal output, fecal dry weight (%), fat excretion, transit, stool consistency, intestinal permeability, and serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured as health parameters. The impact of WB RPS on the fermentation of other carbohydrates was assessed by quantifying postprandial cumulative serum 13C-SCFA after a challenge with 13C-inulin.

WB RPS increased fasting serum acetate (P<0.05) and total SCFA (P<0.05) concentrations in OB participants. Fasting serum propionate concentrations were lower in OB than in NW participants at baseline (NW 1.57±0.75 µmol/L; OB 0.89±0.52 µmol/L; P<0.01), but not after WB RPS (NW 1.75±0.77 µmol/L; OB 1.35±0.63 µmol/L; P=not significant). WB RPS did not enhance colonic fermentation of 13C-inulin and did not affect microbiota composition. Health parameters were not affected by the WB RPS intervention, either in NW or in OB participants.

WB RPS increased fasting serum SCFA concentrations in OB participants. These changes were not associated with beneficial effects on host health.

WB RPS increased fasting serum SCFA concentrations in OB participants. These changes were not associated with beneficial effects on host health.