A Case of Chlorfluazuron Insectisides Poisoning with Mental Change

Benzoylureas are chemical compounds best known for their use as insecticides. Diflubenzuron is one of the more commonly used benzoylurea pesticides. Others include chlorfluazuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, and triflumuron. They act as insect growth regulators by inhibiting synthesis of chitin in the body of the insect. They have low toxicity in mammals because mammals have no chitin. Chlorfluazuron insecticides, which are mixed with solvent naphatha, are commonly used. Thus we assume that in the presented case mental change outcome of poisoning was connected with toxic effects of solvent naphtha rather than with chlorfluazuron action. Components of solvent naphtha, particularly trimethylbenzenes, exert strong irritant action on the gastric mucosa and are very well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. We report on a 67-year-old man with stuporous mentality after intentional ingestion of approximately 200 ml of liquid chlorfluazuron in a suicide attempt. He was discharged after conservative treatments including gastric irrigation, charcoal, mechanical ventilation, hydration, and antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia without complications.

Evaluación de temefos y pyriproxifeno en aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) de Guayaquil, Ecuador / Evaluation of temephos and pyriproxifen against aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Guayaquil, Ecuador

Introducción: el Ministerio de Salud Pública de la ciudad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, ha utilizado, hasta la fecha, temefos (abate) como principal medida química para el control larval de Aedes aegypti, principal vector del dengue en este país.Objetivos: determinar la resistencia a temefos y sus mecanismos bioquímicos en dos cepas Aedes aegypti de Ecuador, así como determinar la eficacia del regulador de crecimiento, pyriproxifeno, como posible alternativa para su control.Métodos: en larvas de Aedes aegypti provenientes de dos localidades (Pascuales y Guayacanes), de la ciudad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, se evaluó la resistencia al insecticida oganofosforado temefos y la eficacia del pyriproxifeno mediante metodologías recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los mecanismos de resistencia metabólicos se determinaron a través de ensayos bioquímicos y electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida.Resultados: las larvas de la cepa Pascuales resultaron con moderado nivel de resistencia a temefos y Guayacanes resultó susceptible. A través de ensayos bioquímicos y electroforesis se demostró que el mecanismo de resistencia de acción metabólica, basado en una incrementada actividad de la esterasa-A4, resultó ser responsable de la resistencia detectada a temefos. Las dosis de pyriproxifeno que causaron 50 por ciento de inhibición de la emergencia (IE50) y 95 por ciento (IE95), resultaron muy similares entre las cepas de Ecuador y la cepa de referencia susceptible a insecticidas, Rockefeller.Conclusiones: se demostró que el mecanismo de esterasas, responsable de la resistencia a temefos, está presente en Aedes aegypti de Guayaquil, Ecuador, de ahí la necesidad de monitorear este fenómeno en diferentes regiones del país. El regulador de crecimiento pyriproxifeno resultó muy eficaz, y esto lo convierte en una alternativa a evaluar para el control de poblaciones de Aedes aegypti en Ecuador.

Introduction: the Ministry of Public Health in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, has so far used temephos (abate) as the main chemical measure for larval control of Aedes aegypti, the fundamental dengue vector in the country. Objectives: determine temephos resistance and its biochemical mechanisms in two strains of Aedes aegypti in Ecuador, and determine the efficacy of the growth regulator pyriproxyfen as a possible control alternative. Methods: resistance to organophosphorus insecticide temephos and the efficacy of pyriproxyfen were evaluated in Aedes aegypti larvae from two areas (Pascuales and Guayacanes) in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, by means of methodologies recommended by the World Health Organization. Metabolic resistance mechanisms were determined by biochemical assays and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: larvae from the Pascuales strain showed moderate resistance to temephos, whereas those from the Guayacanes strain were found to be susceptible. Biochemical assays and electrophoresis revealed that the resistance mechanism of metabolic action, based on increased esterase-A4 activity, was responsible for the temephos resistance observed. The doses of pyriproxyfen causing 50 percent emergence inhibition (EI50) and 95 percent (EI95) were very similar between strains from Ecuador and the reference insecticide susceptible strain Rockefeller. Conclusions: it was found that the esterase mechanism, responsible for temephos resistance, is present in Aedes aegypti from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Hence the need to monitor this phenomenon in different regions of the country. The growth regulator pyriproxyfen proved to be very effective, which turns it into an alternative to evaluate for the control of Aedes aegypti populations in Ecuador.

Eficacia y actividad residual del regulador de crecimiento pyriproxyfen sobre larvas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) en condiciones de laboratorio / Efficacy and residual activity of insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen on larvae of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory conditions

Pyriproxyfen es un análogo sintético de la hormona juvenil ampliamente usado para el control de mos quitos. Esta investigación describe bioensayos realizados en condiciones de laboratorio con una formulación granulada del producto, utilizando larvas del IV instar de aedes aegypti. Este producto (Sumilarv G-0,5%) fue formulado en Brasil, con 0,5 % del ingrediente activo (Pyriproxyfen: S-31183). El objetivo fue determinar la eficacia del producto y evaluar su acción residual a tres concentraciones (0,002; 0,01 y 0,05 ppm) sobre larvas de Ae. aegypti. Para tal fin, se realizaron seis ensayos sucesivos: El ensayo inicial (semana 0) y después a 1, 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas post-tratamiento al agua. Según los resultados obtenidos, la actividad residual del producto con la concentración de 0,05 ppm, fue bastante satisfactoria durante 8 semanas (60 días) post-tratamiento, obteniéndose valores del porcentaje de Inhibición de la Emergencia (% IE) de 77%. Sin embargo, tanto a 0,002 ppm como a 0,01 ppm, su eficacia disminuyó considerablemente a partir de la primera y segunda semana post-tratamiento. La mortalidad en la fase de pupa fue mucho mayor que la mortalidad larval a todas las concentraciones probadas. Asimismo, en otro experimento se evaluó el efecto del aumento de la densidad de larvas expuestas, sobre la eficacia del producto a la misma concentración de 0,05 ppm. La densidad larvaria no afectó la eficacia del producto; ya que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre tratamientos o densidades probadas. El análisis estadístico no reveló ninguna relación significativa entre densidad larvaria y mortalidad de pupas o inhibición de la emergencia de adultos de Ae. aegypti. Según lo cual, se concluye que al aumentar progresivamente la cantidad de larvas a tratar, no disminuye la mortalidad de pupas, ni la inhibición de emergencia de adultos, por lo que no se afecta negativamente la eficacia del producto.

Pyriproxyfen is a synthetic juvenile hormone analogue and it has been widely used in mosquito control. This re search paper describes experiments or trials carried out under laboratory conditions with a granular formulation of pyriproxyfen (Sumilarv -G 0.5% in granules), using IV instars larvae of Aedes aegypti. This is a granular formulation of pyriproxyfen with 0.5% of active ingredient. The efficacy and residual activity of pyriproxyfen were evaluated on larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti using three final concentrations: 0.002, 0.01 and 0.05 ppm; at (initial day = week 0) and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment (post-treatment). According to the results, the efficacy of pyriproxyfen was very satisfactory during 8 weeks (60 days) post-treatment, using 0.05 ppm of pyriproxyfen with 77% (% IE). It was observed that mortality in the pupa stage was higher than larvae mortality for all three concentrations. However, the percentage of IE in treated water diminished after the initial week (week 0) to 56.7 % (0.002 ppm) and after first week to 98.8 % (0.01ppm). The other aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of pyriproxyfen at 0.05 ppm, in relation to the larval density of Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. Five larval densities: 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 larvae, were evaluated at 0.05 ppm. The statistical analysis not revealed significant differences between these densities, and did not reveal a relationship between the mosquito larval density and pupae mortality of Ae. aegypti. Whereby, it is concluded that by progressively increasing the number of larvae treated, mortality of pupae or adult emergence inhibition do not decrease, therefore it does not adversely affect the product performance.

Efficacy of three formulations of diflubenzuron, an insect growth regulator, against Culex quinquefasciatus Say, the vector of Bancroftian filariasis in India.

Background & objectives: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) offer alternatives to conventional chemical larvicides that pose problem of resistance and environmental safety. However, only a limited number of IGRs have been approved for use in mosquito control. In the present study, two new formulations of the IGR diflubenzuron, 2 per cent granular (GR) and 2 per cent tablet (DT) were tested for its efficacy against Culex quinquefasciatus, in comparison to its 25 per cent wettable powder (WP) formulation. Methods: The WP, GR and DT formulations were tested in cesspits, street drains and abandoned wells each at four dosages, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g ai/ha. Additionally, the DT formulation was tested at a higher dosage of 1 tablet/m2 (equal to 400 g ai/ha). Results: The WP and GR formulations yielded >80 per cent inhibition of adult emergence (IE) for 7-10 days in cesspits, 4-7 days in street drains and 7-21 days in abandoned wells at all dosages tested. The DT formulation was effective only at higher dosage 100 g ai/ha and or 1 tablet/m2 for 7-15 days at all habitats. Interpretation & conclusions: The trial showed that the dosage 25 g ai/ha of 25 per cent WP could be the field dosage for cesspits and wells, and 50 g ai/ha for drains, to be applied at weekly intervals. The dosages 25, 50 and 100 g ai/ha of 2 per cent GR could be the field dosages for application in cesspits at weekly intervals, in abandoned wells every three weeks and in drains at weekly intervals, respectively. Diflubenzuron 25 per cent WP and 2 per cent GR could be used for larval control of Cx. quinquefasciatus under integrated vector management programme.

Development of a controlled release formulation of an indigenous insect growth regulator, DPE-28, a substituted diphenylether, for controlling the breeding of Culex quinquefasciatus.

Background & objectives: DPE-28, a substituted diphenyl ether (2,6-ditertiarybutyl phenyl-2’,4’-dinitro phenyl ether) was reported to exhibit promising insect growth regulating activity against Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of lymphatic filariasis. A controlled release formulation (CRF) of DPE-28 has been developed to control Cx. quinquefasciatus in its breeding habitats. Toxicity of DPE-28, safety to non-target mosquito predators and the release profile of the CRF of DPE-28 are studied and discussed. Methods: The acute oral and dermal toxicity was tested in male and female Wistar rats as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines 425 and 402 respectively. The toxicity of DPE-28 to non-target predators was tested as per the reported procedure from this laboratory. The CRF of DPE-28 was prepared by following the reported procedure developed at this laboratory earlier. The concentration of DPE-28 released from the CRF was monitored by HPLC by constructing a calibration graph by plotting the peak area in the Y-axis and the concentration of DPE-28 in the X-axis. Results: DPE-28 has been tested for acute oral toxicity and found to be moderately toxic with LD50 value of 1098 mg/kg body weight (b.w). The results of the acute dermal toxicity and skin irritation studies reveal that DPE-28 is safe and non-irritant. DPE-28 when tested at 0.4 mg/litre against non-target mosquito predators did not produce any mortality. The release profile of the active ingredient DPE-28 from the CRF by HPLC technique showed that the average daily release (ADR) of DPE-28 ranged from 0.07 to 5.0 mg/litre during first four weeks. Thereafter the matrix started eroding and the ADR ranged from 5 to 11 mg/litre during the remaining 5 wk. The cumulative release of active ingredient showed that > 90 per cent of the active ingredient was released from the matrix. Interpretation & conclusions: The controlled release matrix of DPE-28 was thus found to inhibit the adult emergence (>80%) of Cx. quinquefasciatus for a period of nine weeks. The CRF of DPE-28 may play a useful role in field and may be recommended for mosquito control programme after evaluating the same under field conditions.

Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Methoxyfenozide on the Development, Survival and Reproduction of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8 percent and 26 percent in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12 percent for the LC10 and 60 percent for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

biological effects of the insect growth regulators; pyriproxyfen and diflubenzuron on the mosquito Aedes aegypti

The biological effects of two insect growth regulators [IGRs], pyriproxyfen and diflubenzuron against larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti [L.] have been evaluated. Mosquitoes were collected from Jeddah governorate, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and maintained in the laboratory. According to IC[50] values obtained [concentrations which inhibit the emergence of 50% of adults], diflubenzuron [0.00036 ppm] proved to be more effective by 11.4 fold of pyriproxyfen [0.0041ppm]. In addition to the delayed lethal action, larval treatment with the two IGRs, pyriproxyfen and diflubenzuron led to pronounced reduction in the reproductive potential of mosquito adults that emerged from these treatments. Pyriproxyfen caused a 33.2% decrease in egg production compared to 25.5% for diflubenzuron. The reduction in egg hatchability was by 40.6 and 36.2 % for pyriproxyfen and diflubenzuron, respectively, with up to 4 fold higher reduction rates than in the control tests. These results shed light on the extended biological effects of IGRs on mosquitoes and encourage further testing of IGRs for wider use in the control of Ae. aegypti and other important disease vectors in Arabia and the world

Telarquia prematura en lactantes y preescolares: efecto de la dieta / Premature thelarche in infants and preschooler children: effect of the diet

Evaluar el efecto de las recomendaciones dietéticas en la regresión de la telarquia prematura en lactantes y preescolares (entre 3 meses y 5 años y 11 meses de edad). Se estudiaron 80 pacientes con diagnóstico de telarquia prematura divididas en: grupo A de 31 pacientes (con dieta exenta de productos avícolas, tubérculos y soya) y grupo B de 41 pacientes (sin dieta). Servicio de Ginecología Infantil y Juvenil. Hospital de Niños "Dr. JM de los Ríos". Caracas. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la edad de las pacientes: grupos A y B respectivamente (31,56 ± 22,40 meses vs. 43,44 ± 26,47 meses; P = 0,09). No se obtuvo variación significativa entre los grupos con respecto a la longitud del útero, (25,32 ± 5,09 mm vs. 28,20 ± 6,69 mm; P = 0,09) y al volumen ovárico derecho (0,52 ± 0,33 cm³ vs. 0,79 ± 0,69 cm³, P = 0,09). Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el volumen ovárico izquierdo (0,45 ± 0,29 cm³ vs. 0,91 ± 1,40 cm³; P = 0,01). Se encontró aumento en los niveles de FSH para la edad de las pacientes (3,27 ± 2,29 mUI/mL vs. 2,88 ± 1,74 mUI/mL; P = 0,50). Los niveles de LH se encontraron dentro de límites normales (0,50 ± 0,81 mUI/mL vs. 0,51 ± 0,57 mUI/mL; P = 0,05). Las cifras de estradiol resultaron ligeramente elevadas (16,60 ± 12,12 pg/mL vs. 16,44 ± 8,79 pg/mL P = 0,95). El tiempo de regresión fue menor en el grupo B: 16 ± 6,19 meses vs. 10,75 ± 1,75 meses; (P = 0,01). La dieta de restricción de productos avícolas, tubérculos y soya no resultó de utilidad en la regresión de la telarquia prematura en las pacientes incluidas en este estudio

To evaluate the effect of dietary restriction in the regression of premature thelarche in infants (3 months to 2 years old) and preschooler children (2 to 5 years and 11 months old). 80 patients with diagnostic of premature thelarche divided into: group A with 31 patients (with diet exempt of avian products, tubercles and soybean) and group B with 41 patients (without diet). Servicio de Ginecologia Infantil y Juvenil. Hospital de Niños "Dr. JM de los Rios". Caracas. There was no significative statistical difference in age of patients: groups A and B respectively (31.56 ± 22.40 months vs. 43.44 ± 26.47 months; P = 0.09). There was no significative variation between groups in uterus length (25.32 ± 5.09 mm vs. 28.20 ± 6.69 mm; P = 0.09) and right ovarian volume (0.52 ± 0.33 cm³ vs. 0.79 ± 0.69 cm³, P = 0,09). There was a significative statistical difference in left ovarian volume (0.45 ± 0.29 cm³ vs. 0.91 ± 1.40 cm³; P = 0.11). An increase of FSH levels for age of patients was found (3.27 ± 2.29 mUI/mL vs. 2.88 ± 1.74 mUI/mL; P = 0.50). LH levels were within normal limits (0.50 ± 0.81 mUI/mL vs. 0.51 ± 0.57 mUI/mL; P = 0.96). Estradiol values resulted lightly increased (16.60 ± 12.12 pg/mL vs. 16.44 ± 8.79 pg/mL P = 0.95). The regression time was shorter in the group B: 16 ± 6.19 months vs. 10.75 ± 1.75 months; (P = 0.01). The diet with restriction of avian products, tubercles and soybean was no useful in the regression of premature thelarche in the patients included in this study

Efeitos da aplicação tópica de hormônio juvenil sobre o desenvolvimento dos ovários de larvas de operárias de Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera, Apidae) / Effect of topic application of juvenile hormone on the ovarian development of worker larvae of Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

A influência do hormônio juvenil sobre o desenvolvimento do ovário de larvas de operárias de Apis mellifera foi analisada levando em conta a determinação trófica das castas, segundo a qual a alimentação larval é controlada pelas operárias de maneira a promover uma diferenciação de castas controlada pela produção e disponibilidade desse hormônio. A hipótese testada é que a ação do hormônio juvenil seja capaz de proteger ou prevenir a degeneração nos ovários das larvas de operárias. Foi feita aplicação tópica de 1 ml de hormônio dissolvido em hexano na concentração de 1 mg/ml do segundo até o quinto dia de vida larval, e a morfologia dos ovários avaliada nos dias subseqüentes à aplicação até ao sexto dia de vida larval. Como controles foram utilizadas larvas nas quais se aplicou 1 ml de hexano e larvas que não receberam nenhum tratamento. Constatou-se que o efeito do hormônio juvenil varia conforme a idade larval em que é aplicado e que este efeito foi maior quando a aplicação foi feita no terceiro dia de vida larval.

The influence of juvenile hormone (JH) on the ovarian development of worker larvae of Apis mellifera was analyzed, taking into account the trophic determination of the castes. The workers control the larval feeding in order to promote caste differentiation, which is regulated by the production and availability of this hormone. The hypothesis tested was that the action of juvenile hormone is capable of protecting or preventing the degeneration of the ovaries in worker larvae. A preparation of 1 ml of juvenile hormone dissolved in hexane at a concentration of 1 mg/ml was applied topically to 2- to 5-day-old larvae. The morphology of the ovaries was evaluated on the days following the application, until the larvae were 6 days old. The controls consisted of larvae to which 1 ml of hexane was applied, and larvae that received no treatment. The effect of juvenile hormone varied according to the age of the larvae to which it was applied, and this effect was greatest in 3-day-old larvae.

New synthetic precocenoids as potential insect control agents.

Ageratochromes or precocenes are known for their insect growth regulating (IGR) activity. The present investigation was taken up with an objective to look for the lead structure in these compounds which can be elaborated synthetically to obtain useful growth regulators for practical purposes. With this in mind, some variants of precocenes were synthesized in the laboratory and tested for their toxicity and growth regulating activity using red cotton bug Dysdercus koenigii as the test insect. Most of the precocenoids showed toxicity of various degree and metamorphic derangements to different extents. Adults emerging from treated nymphs could not complete the normal life span. Among the compounds tested 8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-dimethylchromene (alloevodinol) was more toxic and also showed developmental defects at very low dose such as 0.5 mg l(-1)/nymph. Precocene II (6, 7-dimethoxy-2, 2-dimethylchromene) was used as the standard compound. It was the least toxic and showed effects at 30 mg l(-1)/nymph.

Efeito do Novaluron - um inibidor da síntese de quitina - sobre Aedes aegypti em laboratório e simulado de campo / Effect of the Novaluron - an inhibitor of the chitin synthesis - on Aedes aegypti in simulated laboratory and of field

A dengue é um grande problema de saúde pública. Esta arbovirose é transmitida por mosquitos do gênero Aedes, sendo o principal vetor o Aedes aegypti. Ainda hoje o alvo principal das campanhas de controle dessa doença é o vetor e, dentre as possibilidades, o controle químico é ainda mais comum. Atualmente para o controle de aedes aegypti no Brasil são utilizados principalmente os larvicidas temephos e Bti e o adulticida deltametrina. Detectamos por meio de ensaios tipo dose-resposta, resistência a temephos nas quatro populações avaliadas - Cuiabá, MT, Uberaba, MG, Aracajú, SE e Henrique Jorge/Fortaleza, CE. Henrique Jorge foi notadamente a população com maior alteração na resposta a temephos. Por outro lado, somente Cuiabá se mostrou sensível a deltametrina, enquanto as outras populações apresentaram resistência incipiente. Com o aumento da resistência aos inseticidas químicos usados, novas alternativas de controle, se fazem necessárias. Dentre estas se encontram os inibidores de síntase de quitina (CSI). O novaluron é um inibidor da síntese de quitina e foi recentemente recomendado pela OMS para uso em água potável, o que o qualifica como uma alternativa viável ao controle de larvas do vetor de dengue. Em condições de laboratório novaluron apresentou grande eficácia sobre larvas de Aedes aegypti da cepa Rockefeller: total inibição da emergência de adultos viáveis desta cepa foi obtida com a concentração 0,4(miu)g/L. Novaluron também se mostrou eficaz sobre as populações do campo testadas e nenhuma delas apresentou resistência a este CSI, independente de seu status de resistência aos inseticidas químicos avaliados. Em simulado de campo, foram avaliadas a cepa Rockefeller e as populações Aracajú e Henrique Jorge. Com a concentração 20(miu)g/L, o produto mostrou boa persistência em área externa e interna sobre larvas de Aedes aegypti. Em área externa, no período de março a maio, mortalidade acima de 70por cento foi obtida até a sexta semana, enquanto...químicos.

Ultrastructure of normal and JHA-treated eggs of the soft tick argas persicus [oken]

The ultrastructure of normal development and JHA-treated egg was examined with the transmission electron microscope. In newly oviposited egg, the chorion consists of exo- and endochorion. Between the chorion and plasma membrane lies vitelline [envelope] membrane, a thin non cellular membrane. The periplasm is free of the yolk spheres with contains vesicles of various sizes and lipid inclusions, The endoplasm is rich in yolk spheres, mitochondria, lipid inclusions, dense vesicles and vacuoles. In 48 h-old egg, cleavage nuclei was seen migrating to the periphery of the egg. The ooplasm around the nuclei contains vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum and few mitochondria. The blastoderm cells contain many organelles and inclusions. Secondary vitellophages and pole cells were observed. In 96 h-old egg, the germ band is formed. It consists of two layers, ectoderm and mesoderm. Amnion and serosa were visible. At [0-1 hour] eggs post-treatment with JHA [Admiral], no real effects was observed except for vacuolation of endoplasm; while at 48 h and 96 h-old post-treatment of eggs, great deterioration were seen which ended by degeneration and lysis of cell components leaving cell debris, vacuolation of nuclei, iregular shape of nuclear membrane and dispersed chromatin material

Cytotoxic evaluation of certain insect growth regulators and insect sex pheromones in cho-k1 cells

The cytotoxic effects of Diflubeizuron, pyriproxifen as insect growth regulators, ZZ/ZE-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate, Z-9- hexadecenal and Z-11-hexadecenal as insect sex pheromones were evaluated in vitro using Chinese hamster ovary [CHO-K1] cells. Total cellular protein [TCP] content and methyl tetrazolium [MTT] assays were carried out using serum free medium and medium supplemented with fetal calf serum [FCS, 10%], bovine serum albumin [BSA, 1%] and/or metabolic activation system [S9-mix]. All the tested compounds displayed cytotoxic effects that rise with time exposure. TCP assay exhibited higher sensitivity than MTT assay with all the tested compounds. In presence of the added extracellular proteins and/or metabolic activation system [S9-mix], the cytotoxic effects significantly decreased which indicate that the tested agents may be binding non-specifically with protein and extensive metabolized to less toxic metabolites

Side effects of IGR cyromazine on nasonia vitripennis [hymenoptera: pteromalidae] a parasitic wasp of house fly pupae

Combination of cyromazine as an Insect Growth Regulator [IGR] and Nasonia vitripennis [Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae] a parasitic wasp may be an effective tool for reducing the house-fly populations in poultry houses and livestock farms. This study was conducted to assess the side effects of the IGR cyromazine on the level of parasitism and numbers and the longevity of emerged N. vitripennis parasitoids from house fly pupae. Cyromazine treated cloth target was used as the contaminating method of the parasitoids which was applied in this research study. The Weibull distribution showed that there was no significant difference among controls and cyromazine treated targets for longevity data. There was no significant effect of cyromazine on the level of parasitism of N. vitripennis using ?2 test. One-way ANOVA showed that the actual numbers emerging were significantly higher in the control than in two cyromazine treatments; however, it is a useful phenomenon because of reducing the hyperparasitism. There is a good consistency between using N. vitripennis and 1.1% or 0.9% cyromazine treated targets. Therefore cyromazine treated targets can be applied as a safe delivery vehicle for applying the cyromazine IGR in the poultry houses and livestock farms in an Integrated Pest Management [IPM] program

Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti (L) to the insect growth regulators diflubenzuron and methoprene in Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais

Aedes aegypti (L) (Diptera: Culicidae) was reared in several concentrations of diflubenzuron and methoprene under laboratory conditions in Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Characteristics such as LC50 and LC95, the susceptibility of immature stages of different ages to these insect growth regulators and their residual effects were studied. The LC50 and LC95 of diflubenzuron and methoprene were 5.19 and 12.24 ppb; 19.95 and 72.08 ppb, respectively. While diflubenzuron caused great mortality in all larval instars, methoprene was more effective when the mosquito was exposed from the start of the fourth larval instar onwards. Commercial concentrations of these two insect growth regulators close to LC95 presented greater residual activity than did their respective technical formulations. The parameters were compared with those obtained elsewhere. The characteristics investigated here indicate that these insect growth regulators are effective alternatives for controlling the dengue vector in the Uberlândia region.

Aedes aegypti (L) (Diptera: Culicidae) foi criado em várias concentrações de diflubenzuron e methoprene sob condições de laboratório em Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. Foram estudados aspectos tais como, CL50 e CL95, suscetibilidade de estágios imaturos de diferentes idades a estes insect growth regulators e seu efeito residual. As CL50 e CL95 de diflubenzuron e methoprene foram: 5,19 e 12,24ppb; 19,95 e 72,08ppb, respectivamente. Enquanto diflubenzuron causou grande mortalidade em todos os estádios larvais, methoprene causou maior mortalidade quando o mosquito foi exposto a partir do início do quarto estádio larval. As concentrações comerciais dos dois insect growth regulators próximas às CL95 mostraram maior atividade residual que suas respectivas formulações técnicas. Os parâmetros são comparados com aqueles obtidos em outros locais. Os aspectos aqui investigados indicam estes insect growth regulators como alternativas efetivas para o controle do vetor da dengue na região de Uberlândia.

Juvenile hormone activity in Dysdercus cingulatus Fabr by juvenile hormone esterase inhibitor, OTFP.

Application of juvenile hormone esterase inhibitor 3-octylthio-1,1,1- trifluropropan-2-one (OTFP) to 5th instar nymphs and virgin females of D. cingulatus revealed the profound role played by juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) in metamorphosis and reproduction. The ability of OTFP to cause delay and the formation of malformed nymphs, suggests that inhibition of JHE in vivo maintains a higher than normal hemolymph JH titer. It is obvious that OTFP does inhibit in vivo JHE activity in late instar nymphs. Further, the application of JHE inhibitor, OTFP to virgin females demonstrates that substituted trifluropropanones can indirectly stimulate egg development by inhibiting JHE activity in virgin females.

Histological ultrastructural aspects fat body virgin physogastric queens Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides lepeletier, 1836 (HYMENOPTERA, APIDAE, MELIPONINI)

Variations in the morphology and biochemical content of insect fat body have been associated withmetabolic activity and the reproductive cycle (synthesis of vitellogenin). In social insects such as bees,the functional traits of fat body also differ between workers and queens. In this work, we used light andtransmission electron microscopy to examine the morphological features of fat body trophocytes of virginand physogastric mated queens of the stingless bee Melipona quadriafasciata anthidioides before and duringvitellogenesis. Virgin queens had few, small fat body cells in which lipid deposits predominate, and showedno evidence of biosynthetic activity or the uptake of exogenous substances. In contrast, the fat body cells ofphysogastric queens were almost completely devoid of lipids, exhibit a well-developed rough endoplasmicreticulum with an obvious intraluminal product, and contained Golgi stacks that release numerous vesicles.These ultrastructural findings were suggestive of proteosynthesis. However, there was no evidence for theaccumulation of synthesized material in the form of secretory granules. We conclude that the trophocytes ofvirgin and physogastric queens differ basically in their switch from a storage role in the former to a syntheticrole in the latter. In addition, the high level of vitellogenesis seen in egg-laying queens suggests that themain material synthesized is vitellogenin.

Ultrastructural modifications in the venom glands of workers of Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) promoted by topical application of juvenile hormone

The present study analyzed, the influence of the treatment with juvenile hormone on the ultrastructure of Apis mellifera L. workers' venom glands. Newly emerged workers received topical application of 1 æl of juvenile hormone diluted in hexane, in the concentration of 2 æg/æl. Two controls were used; one control received no treatment (group C1) and other received topical application of 1 æl of hexane (group C2). The aspect of the glandular cells, in not treated newly emerged workers, showed that they are not yet secreting actively. Cellular modifications happened according to the worker age and to the glandular area considered. The most active phase of the gland happened from the emergence to the 14th day. At the 25th day the cells had already lost their secretory characteristic, being the distal area the first to suffer degeneration. The treatment with juvenile hormone and hexane altered the temporal sequence of the glandular cycle, forwarding the secretory cycle and degeneration of the venom gland.

O presente estudo analisou, através de estudos ultra-estruturais a influência do tratamento com hormônio juvenil sobre as glândulas de veneno de operárias de Apis mellifera L. Para tanto, operárias recém-emergidas receberam aplicação tópica de 1æl de hormônio juvenil, na concentração de 2 æg/æl, sendo usado o hexano como veículo. Foram feitos dois controles, um que não recebeu nenhum tipo de tratamento (grupo C1) e o outro que recebeu aplicação tópica de 1 æl de hexano (grupo C2). O aspecto das células glandulares, em operárias recém-emergidas, mostra que estas não estão ainda secretando ativamente. Observa-se que alterações celulares ocorrem de acordo com a idade da operária e da região glandular considerada no controle C1. Assim, a fase de secreção mais ativa da glândula ocorre entre a emergência e os 14 dias de idade; aos 25 dias as células já perderam sua característica secretora, sendo a região distal a primeira a sofrer degeneração. Os tratamentos com hormônio juvenil e com hexano alteram a cronologia do ciclo glandular, antecipando o início da secreção e da degeneração da glândula.

Differential gene expression in Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera, Meliponini): effect of juvenile hormone III

The objective of the present study was to determine by differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) the effects of juvenile hormone (JH) III applied during the late larval 3 (L3) phase on gene expression in Melipona scutellaris. A temporal window of expression of feminizing genes exists during the late L3 and pre-defecating larval phases when these genes can be turned on or off by the action of JH, which is able to mediate the differentiation of female larvae into queens. Combination of the HT11A-AP4 primers revealed differential expression in L3 individuals treated with JH III for 1 h, with weak expression of the transcript, while intense expression was observed for controls and individuals treated for 4 h. Combination of the HT11G-AP4 and HT11G-AP5 primers showed suppression of the gene products for each primer combination in 1-h treated larvae compared to untreated control individuals of the same age and individuals treated for 4 h. Differential gene expression was also observed during development. These results demonstrate that the JH III may suppress or alter gene expression profiles during phase L3 of M. scutellaris.