Comparison of the effectiveness of BG-trap mosquito traps using carbon dioxide versus BG-lure attractants / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To compare the mosquito trapping effect of BG-trap mosquito trap using carbon dioxide versus BG-lure attractant under filed conditions. Methods　In August and September 2020, two areas were set with a distance of 100 m. Two sites were set at each area, and one mosquito trap BG trap was set with a distance of 5 m. Each site was set with different flow of CO2 and different amount of BG-lure attractants. The BG-trap mosquito traps on the same area would exchange positions every other day. The mosquitoes captured by each mosquito trap was collected and classified. and the species, sex and number of mosquitoes captured were recorded and counted. Results　The densities of Aedes albopictus captured by BG+/CO2-and BG-/CO2+were 14 and 31, and that of Culex pipiens pallens were 2 and 16, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (Aedes albopictus, t=-2.675, P<0.05; Culex pipiens pallens, t=-4.873, P<0.05). With BG-lure attractant, the females of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens in the CO2+group were 2.6 (25/9.5) and 12.0 (12 /1) times higher than those in the CO2-group, and the differences were statistically significant (female Aedes albopictus, t=-4.119, P<0.01; female Culex pipiens pallens, t=-4.592, P<0.01), suggesting that the most important attractant to female mosquitoes is CO2. With BG-lure attractant, the male Aedes albopictus in the CO2+ group was 3.0 (12/4) times higher than that in the CO2-group, and the difference was statistically significant (male Aedes albopictus, t=-3.284, P<0.01). Without BG-lure attractant, female Aedes albopictus and female Culex pipiens pallens in the CO2 + group were 1.8 (18 / 10) and 15.5 (15.5/1.0) times higher than those in the CO2-group, and the difference was statistically significant (female Aedes albopictus, t=-2.868, P<0.05; female Culex pipiens pallens, t=-5.259, P<0.05). Without BG-lure attractant, the male Aedes albopictus in the CO2+group was 2.0 (9.0/4.5) times higher than that in the CO2-group, with a statistically significant difference (t=-2.508, P<0.05). With CO2, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens in the BG + attractant group were 1.4 (43.5/31) and 0.78 (12.5/16.0) times higher than those in the BG-attractant group, and the differences were not statistically significant (Aedes albopictus, t=-0.943, P>0.05 ; Culex pipiens pallens, t=0.709, P>0.05). Without CO2, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens in the BG + attractant group were 1.0 (14/14) and 2.0 (2.0/1.0) times higher than those in the BG + attractant group, and the differences were not statistically significant (Aedes albopictus, t=-0.500, P>0.05; Culex pipiens pallens, t=-1.000, P>0.05). Without BG-lure attractant, the densities of female Aedes albopictus captured by adding 0, 1 and 2 parts of dry ice were 10, 17.5 and 18 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant among the three groups (F=3.942, P<0.05). The densities of female Culex pipiens pallens captured were 1, 13 and 18 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant among the three groups (F=13.881, P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the capture of female Aedes albopictus and female Culex pipiens pallens by adding 1 part of dry ice and 2 parts of dry ice (female Aedes albopictus, t=0.112, P>0.05; female Culex pipiens pallens, t=-0.540, P>0.05). Without CO2, 10, 10, 9.5 and 1, 1 and 1.5 female Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens were captured by adding 0, 1 and 2 portions of BG-lure attractants, respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups (female Aedes albopictus, F=0.120, P>0.05; female Culex pipiens pallens, F=0.477, P>0.05). Conclusions　In the monitoring of BG-trap mosquito trap, the mosquito trapping effect of CO2 is better than that of BG-lure attractant. When the same monitoring effect is obtained, the use of CO2 (100 mL/min) can save the use cost.

Giardiasis in urban and rural Amazonas, Brazil is driven by zoonotic and cosmopolitan A and B assemblages

BACKGROUND Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and other mammals and causes giardiasis worldwide. Giardia is genotyped into eight assemblages (A-H), with assemblages A and B considered zoonotic. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the assemblages of G. duodenalis from individuals living in rural and urban areas of the Amazonas State. METHODS 103 human faecal specimens microscopically positive for the presence of Giardia obtained from four municipalities in Amazonas and four animal faecal specimens were genotyped based on the sequences of two genes, triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) and β-giardin (BG). FINDINGS In humans, assemblage A was the most represented with the identification of sub-assemblages AI, AII and AIII based on BG and sub-assemblages AI and AII based on TPI. Similarly, there is a diversity of sub-assemblage B considering BG (B and BIII) and TPI (B, BIII and BIV). In addition, we characterised homogeneous and heterogeneous genotypes comprising assemblages/sub-assemblages A and B in individuals from urban and rural areas. Here, for the first time, it was genotyped Giardia that infects animals from the Brazilian Amazon region. We identified sub-assemblage AI in one Ateles paniscus and two Felis catus and sub-assemblage BIV in one Lagothrix cana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Therefore, humans and animals from the urban and rural Amazon share Giardia genotypes belonging to assemblages A and B, which are found in cosmopolitan regions around the world.

Modified BG Prasad Socio-economic Classification, Update - 2019

Modified BG Prasad socioeconomic scale has been in use for determining the socio-economic status of study subjects in community-based health studies in India since 1961.It is an income-based scale and, therefore, constant update is required to take inflation and depreciation of rupee into account. For industrial workers (IW), the consumer price index (CPI) is used to calculate updated income categories at any given point of time, viz Jan 2019.

Evaluation of the human-baited double net trap and BG trap as an alternative to human landing catches for collecting outdoor Aedes albopictus in China

Objective: Monitoring the density of Aedes(Ae.) albopictus was very important in evaluating the efficiency of vector management, especially when Aedes-borne diseases break, like Dengue fever, Chikungunya fever and Zika. Human landing catch (HLC) is regarded as the “gold standard” for Aedes monitoring, but it is unsafe and unethical since it potentially expose field professionals to a series of pathogens. In this study, we compared HLC with human-baited double net (HDN) and BG trap for field Aedes albopictus monitoring.The study aims to find an effective and safe alternative method to HLC in monitoring Ae. albopictus, especially in emergency monitoring. Methods: Latin square design was used, and three sites in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, China, were chosen to conduct outdoor HLC, HDN and BG trap catches in June. The tests were performed at three periods: a morning period (8:30-10:00), an afternoon period (15:00-16:30), and an evening period (16:30-18:00). Then a table with 81 elements was made to compare the efficiency of these three methods. Results: A total of 80, 138 and 78 adult Ae. albopitus was captured by HDN, BG trap and HLC, respectively. Among these three catches, BG trap showed the best efficacy in captured Ae. albopitus adults. The mosquitoes caught by HLC and BG trap were nearly the same at all three time series, but the density of mosquitoes caught by HDN at 16:30-18:00 was 2 times the density at 8:30-10:00 (4.44 vs 2.22 per hour). In this study, significant positive correlation between HLC and BG trap of Aedes albopitus female density was found (r=0.921, P<0.001). However, no statistical significant correlation between HLC and HDN, BG trap and HDN of Ae. albopitus female density was found (r=-0.46, P=0.820; r=0.019, P=0.923, respectively). Besides, the human-bait attraction bias of HLC catches might be more apparent than BG trap and HDN catches. Conclusions: According to our study, with high efficiency, less human-bait attraction bias, and significantly positive correlation with HLC in catching Ae. albopitus females, BG trap could be a sensitive and safer alternative to HLC for outdoor Ae. albopitus monitoring. It also showed strong potential in emergency monitoring when Aedesborne diseases break.

A study on the outcome of tympanoplasty with various graft materials

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is one of the most common causes of preventable hearing loss especially in developing countries CSOM is a disease condition characterized by persistent perforation of tympanic membrane with recurrent or persistent mucopurulent Otorrhoea Aim: This study was undertaken to review the outcomes (hearing improvement) achieved by using various graft materials like temporalis fascia (TF), tragal cartilage (TC), Conchal cartilage (CC), autologous sculpted incus (I), autologous cortical bone (BG) in tympanoplasty surgery Material and methods: This study comprised of 14 males and 16 females patients with age ranging from 12 years to 55 years They were selected for surgery after adequate history taking, clinical, otoscopic and microscopic examination Type 1 tympanoplasty was done in 19 patients, Type 3 tympanoplasty + Modified Radical Mastoidectomy (MRM) was done in 11 patients by using various graft materials The results were evaluated in the form of rate of graft success, hearing gain, and the pre and post-operative Air Bone gap Results: Out of 30 patients, in 20 TF graft patients AB gap improvement seen in 14 patients, 5 patients did not show any change and 1 patient did not come for follow up In 2 TC graft patients, both showed improvement in AB gap In 1 patient where CC graft was used showed improvement in AB gap In 6 patients I graft was used, 2 patients showed improvement, 2 patients did not show any change, 1 patient did not come for follow up and in 1 patient AB gap worsened In 1 patient BG was used and no change in AB gap was seen Out of 30 cases graft uptake was seen in 25 cases and graft rejection was seen in 3 cases and 2 patients did not come for follow up Graft rejection was documented in one case where TF was used, one case where incus graft was used and in another case where BG was used Harinarayana N, Srikanth M A study on the outcome of tympanoplasty with various graft materials IAIM, 2018; 5(12): 77- 82 Page 78 Conclusion: Post-operative hearing gain obtained was found to be better in patients operated upon with tubotympanic disease than those operated upon with atticoantral disease The post-operative hearing improvement depends not only on the graft material used and the type of tympanoplasty but also on the pre-operative status of the ossicular chain

Correlación cito-colpo-histológica en lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino en el Hospital Básico Píllaro en Ecuador / Cito-Colpo-Histological Correlation in Premalignant Cervical Lesions

Introducción: el cáncer cervicouterino es una de las amenazas más graves para la vida de las mujeres. Actualmente en el mundo lo padecen más de un millón de ellas. En Ecuador, ocupa el segundo lugar en incidencia y causa 1,2 por ciento de muertes anuales en el país. Su detección oportuna es posible gracias a la citología cervicovaginal que contribuye eficazmente a detectar lesiones precancerosas y disminuir significativamente el carcinoma del cuello uterino. El estudio de la paciente se complementa con colposcopia y toma de biopsia para aumentar la certeza diagnóstica. En algunos casos, no se ha observado una buena correlación diagnóstica. Objetivo: determinar la relación citocolpohistológica en pacientes atendidas con Papanicolaou alterado en consulta de Patología del Tracto Genital Inferior. Métodos: se revisaron 82 historias clínicas de pacientes atendidas con Papanicolaou alterado en la consulta de Patología del Tracto Genital Inferior en el Hospital Básico Píllaro de Ecuador desde abril de 2015 hasta abril de 2016. Resultados: del total de pacientes, 32,9 por ciento tenían entre 30 y 39 años de edad; 90,2 por ciento iniciaron sus relaciones sexuales durante la adolescencia. De ellas, 89 por ciento tuvo entre una y cinco parejas sexuales; 59,7 por ciento tuvo entre uno y tres partos. Existió un 21,4 por ciento de correlación cito-colposcópica en el diagnóstico de las lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo grado. La relación colpo-histológica mostró un 87,5 por ciento de coincidencias en las lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo grado y en las lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado un 71,4 por ciento. Conclusiones: el inicio precoz de la actividad sexual, las múltiples parejas sexuales y la multiparidad continúan resaltando en la aparición de las lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino(AU)

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the most serious threats to the lives of women. In the world today, more than a million of them suffer from it. In Ecuador, it ranks second in incidence and causes 1.2 percent of annual deaths in the country. Its timely detection is possible thanks to cervicovaginal cytology that contributes effectively to detecting precancerous lesions and significantly decreasing carcinoma of the cervix. The patient's study is complemented by colposcopy and biopsy to increase diagnostic certainty even when good diagnostic correlation has not been observed in some cases. Objective: Determine the cyto-colpo-histological relationship in patients treated due to altered Papanicolaou, in consultation of Pathology of the Lower Genital Tract in Píllaro Basic Hospital. Ecuador. Methods: In the present study, we reviewed 82 clinical records of patients treated with altered Papanicolaou in the Lower Genital Tract Pathology consultation at the Píllaro Basic Hospital, Ecuador from April 2015 to April 2016. Results: 32.9 percent of patients aged 30 to 39 years; 90.2 percent started sexual intercourse throughout adolescence. 89 percent had one to five sexual partners. 59.7 percent had one to three deliveries. There was 21.4 percent cyto-colposcopic correlation in the diagnosis of low-grade intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). The colpo-histological relationship showed 87.5 percent of coincidences in the LSIL and 71.4 percent. showed high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)(AU)

Yeast-generated CO2:A convenient source of carbon dioxide for mosquito trapping using the BG-Sentinel?traps

Objectives: To evaluates carbon dioxide (CO2) production from yeast/sugar mixtures and its efficiency as an attractant in BG-Sentinel traps. Methods: The rate of CO2production was optimized for different yeast/sugar mixtures. The optimized mixture was then used as bait in BG-Sentinel traps.The efficiency of this bait was then compared to octenol baited traps. Results: The yeast/sugar(5 g:280 g)in 300 mL water generated the highest volume of CO2. The CO2baited traps caught significantly more mosquitoes than octenol baited traps. Conclusions: Yeast-produced CO2can effectively replace octenol baits in BG traps. This will significantly reduce costs and allow sustainable mass-application of the CO2 baited traps in large scale surveillance programs.

Yeast-generated CO

Objectives To evaluates carbon dioxide (CO

Clinical evaluation of the (1, 3)-β-D-glucan assay as an aid to diagnosis of fungal infections in severe pneumonia patients / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To evaluate (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BG) assay as an aid for invasive fungal infection (IFI) diagnosis in severe pneumonia patients (diagnosis followed 2007 American Thoracic Society (ATS) and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) severe pneumonia standard).Methods BG antigenemia was measured by BG Assay Box.IFIs was classified according to the blood fungal laboratory reports.Results 558 patients (185 females,373 males,mean age 64.7) were included.41 patients were proven to be fungal infected to be classified in exposure group.BG assay mean value in exposure group and unexposure group were (568.53 ±796.57) pg/mL,(51.4 ±63.27) pg/mL,respectively.Patients in the exposure group had significantly higher BG assay value than patients in the unexposure group (P ＜0.05).For the cutoff 100 pg/mL recommended by manufacturer,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predict value and negative predict value of the BG assay were 92.7％,92.5％,49.4％ and 0.6％,respectively.Conclusion BG assay has positive clinical value in invasive fungal infection diagnosis in severe pneumonia patients.

The osteointergration and osteoinduction of titanium implant with nHA/BG gradient coating in rabbits / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the osteointegration and osteoinduction of nano hydroxyapatite/bioglass ( nHA/BG ) gradient nanofilm on the surface of titanium ( Ti) prepared by hypotherm sintering and plastic deformation. Methods:Hypotherm sintering was used to produce nHA/BG gradient coating followed by soaking in the simulated body fluid. Ti implants with gradient coatings were planted in femoral condyles at one side of 12 New Zealand rabbits and the untreated Ti implants were planted at the other side as the controls. 1, 3 and 6 months after implantation, the animals were sacrificed after X-ray examination and the tissues around the implants from the 3 month group were used for the preparation of hard tissue section and ground section. New bone formation was observed by tetracycline fluorescence staining. Von Gieson staining was used to observe the osteointegration at the interface between bone and im-plant. Results:The gradient coatings were porous and composed of irregular rod-like nano-HA crystals. Animal study showed well es-tablished osteointegration between the gradient coating and more novel bone was found around the implants with gradient coatings. Conclusion:Osteointegration and ostioinduction of Ti implant can be enhanced by nanostructured surface with gradient coatings of nHA/BG.

A study to identify the presence of Aedes Spp. using BG-Sentinel® Traps and larval/pupal surveys in communities around Belmopan, Cayo District.

The knowledge of the presence of Aedes Spp. mosquitoes is very important for the prevention and control of emerging and remerging diseases caused by Arboviruses such as: Yellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. While Chikungunya and Dengue are endemic to Belize, Zika is currently a threat with local transmission having been established in several Caribbean and Central American Countries. The objective of the study is to survey the presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the communities of San Martin, Salvapan and Las Flores, Belmopan City. The study was conducted from March 14 to April 2, 2016 whereby adult mosquitoes were captured using BG-Sentinel® Traps and larvae/pupae collection surveys were also done. Three hundred meter zone(s) were determined within localities and 1 BG-Sentinel® trap was deployed for 3 days at 24-hour intervals both indoors and outdoors at 2 residences randomly selected in each community. Larvae/Pupae collection surveys were done at 5 private premises within the predetermined zones in each of the three communities. Captured larvae and Pupae were reared for 6 days and adults obtained were used for identification. The identification of adult Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was done using a stereoscopic microscope and pictorial keys that are used for the identification of mosquitoes. The presence of Ae. aegypti was identified in all 3 communities through both adult mosquito and larvae/pupae collections. However, Ae. albopictus was present only in San Martin and Salvapan communities. The presence of Ae. aegypti and/or Ae. albopictus will determine which appropriate vector control interventions are needed considering the different characteristic breeding habitats of these mosquitoes.(AU)

Updated BG Prasad Socioeconomic Classification, 2014: A Commentary.

Modified BG Prasad socioeconomic scale is widely used to determine the socioeconomic status of study subjects in health studies in India. It is an income-based scale and, therefore, has to be constantly updated to take inflation and depreciation of rupee into account. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for industrial workers (IW) is used to calculate updated income categories for January 2014. Details of the calculations involved will enable young researchers to calculate specific income categories for their research work. State-specific CPI values are also available on the Department of Labour website and should be used to determine more accurate income categories for the study area.

Development of a C3c-based ELISA method for the determination of anti-complementary potency of Bupleurum polysaccharides

Traditionally, determination of inhibitory potency of complement inhibitors is performed by the hemolytic assay. However, this assay is not applicable to the lectin pathway, thus impeding the understanding of complement inhibitors against the overall function of the complement system. The main objective of our study was to develop a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as an alternative method to assess the anti-complement activity, particularly against the lectin pathway. By using respective coating substrates against different activation pathways, followed by capturing the stable C3c fragments, our ELISA method can be used to screen complement inhibitors against the classical pathway and the lectin pathway. The inhibitory effect of suramin on the classical pathway, as measured by our hemolytic assay is consistent with previous reports. Further assessment of suramin and Bupleurum polysaccharides against the lectin pathway showed a good reproducibility of the method. Comparison of the lectin pathway IC50 between Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium polysaccharides (1.055 mg/mL) and Bupleurum chinense polysaccharides (0.98 mg/mL) showed that, similar to the classical and alterative pathway, these two Bupleurum polysaccharides had comparable anti-complementary properties against the lectin pathway. The results demonstrate that the described ELISA assay can compensate for the shortcomings of the hemolytic assay in lectin pathway.

Temporal abundance of Aedes aegypti in Manaus, Brazil, measured by two trap types for adult mosquitoes

A longitudinal study was conducted in Manaus, Brazil, to monitor changes of adult Aedes aegypti (L.) abundance. The objectives were to compare mosquito collections of two trap types, to characterise temporal changes of the mosquito population, to investigate the influence of meteorological variables on mosquito collections and to analyse the association between mosquito collections and dengue incidence. Mosquito monitoring was performed fortnightly using MosquiTRAPs (MQT) and BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps between December 2008-June 2010. The two traps revealed opposing temporal infestation patterns, with highest mosquito collections of MQTs during the dry season and highest collections of BGS during the rainy seasons. Several meteorological variables were significant predictors of mosquito collections in the BGS. The best predictor was the relative humidity, lagged two weeks (in a positive relationship). For MQT, only the number of rainy days in the previous week was significant (in a negative relationship). The correlation between monthly dengue incidence and mosquito abundance in BGS and MQT was moderately positive and negative, respectively. Catches of BGS traps reflected better the dynamic of dengue incidence. The findings help to understand the effects of meteorological variables on mosquito infestation indices of two different traps for adult dengue vectors in Manaus.

Fauna of Culicidae in rural areas of Porto Velho and the first record of Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola (Coquillet, 1906), for the state of Rondônia, Brazil / Fauna de Culicidae em áreas rurais de Porto Velho e primeiro registro de Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola (Coquillet, 1906), para o estado de Rondônia, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge concerning the fauna of Culicidae in the Brazilian Amazon States contributes to current understanding of the bionomics of the insects collected and makes it possible to observe changes in the fauna over time. METHODS: The Culicidae were captured with a BG-Sentinel® trap in extra-domiciliary area of two rural regions of Porto Velho in June and July of 2007 and 2008. RESULTS: A total of 10,695 Culicidae was collected, belonging to nine genera: Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, Psorophora, Aedes, Aedeomyia, Anopheles, Uranotaenia and Wyeomyia. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola was recorded in the State of Rondônia for the first time.

INTRODUÇÃO: O conhecimento da fauna de culicídeos em estados da Amazônia Brasileira auxilia no conhecimento da bionomia dos insetos obtidos, além de possibilitar a observação de modificações da fauna ao decorrer do tempo. MÉTODOS: As capturas dos culicídeos foram realizadas em área extradomiciliar de duas zonas rurais de Porto Velho, durante junho e julho, nos anos de 2007 e 2008, com a armadilha BG-Sentinel®. RESULTADOs: Foram coletados 10.695 culicídeos, distribuídos em nove gêneros: Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, Psorophora, Aedes, Aedeomyia, Anopheles, Uranotaenia e Wyeomyia. CONCLUSÕES: Foi registrada pela primeira vez no estado a presença de Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola.

Anti-thrombotic effect and pharmacokinetics of a novel factor Xa inhibitor Bg115-2 in mice / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVETo evaluate antithrombotic efficacy and preliminary pharmacokinetics of Bg115-2.METHODSProthrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in vitro were determined using assay kits,respectively.The effect on venous thrombosis was evaluated with the model of inferior sinus venous thrombosis in mice.Bleeding reaction was measured by tail bleeding time test.Preliminary pharmacokinetic study was conducted using FXa activity assay.RESULTSBg115-2 (sc) 0.75 -3.0 mg·kg-1 prolonged PT (P＜0.05,P＜0.01) and APTT (P ＜ 0.01) dose-dependently. In the inferior sinus venous thrombosis model,Bg115-20.19 - 3.0 mg· kg-1 significantly reduced thrombus mass with ID50 of 0.19 mg· kg-1.Interestingly,Bg115-2 (ig) 1.5 -6.0 mg·kg-1 also significantly reduced venous thrombus mass (P ＜0.01 ).Bg115-2 was similar to nadroparin calcium in bleeding reaction,and ED2/ID50 reached up to 26.8.Furthermore,Bg115-2 3.0 mg· kg-1 displayed a pharmacokinetic character with a two-compartment model.t1/2,cmax and AUC were (6.18 + 1.45 ) h,(5.20 + 0.66) mg·L-1 and (43.75 +8.20)mg·L-1 ·h,respectively.CONCLUSIONBg115-2 is a potent and oral effective inhibitor of venous thrombosis in mice with slight bleeding side-effect.It has longer t1/2 and the distribution character of a twocompartment model.

Carbon dioxide baited trap catches do not correlate with human landing collections of Anopheles aquasalis in Suriname

Three types of carbon dioxide-baited traps, i.e., the Centers for Disease Control Miniature Light Trap without light, the BioGents (BG) Sentinel Mosquito Trap (BG-Sentinel) and the Mosquito Magnet® Liberty Plus were compared with human landing collections in their efficiency in collecting Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) aquasalis mosquitoes. Of 13,549 total mosquitoes collected, 1,019 (7.52 percent) were An. aquasalis. Large numbers of Culex spp were also collected, in particular with the (BG-Sentinel). The majority of An. aquasalis (83.8 percent) were collected by the human landing collection (HLC). None of the trap catches correlated with HLC in the number of An. aquasalis captured over time. The high efficiency of the HLC method indicates that this malaria vector was anthropophilic at this site, especially as carbon dioxide was insufficiently attractive as stand-alone bait. Traps using carbon dioxide in combination with human odorants may provide better results.

The Protective Effect of Black Ginseng Against Transient Focal Ischemia-induced Neuronal Damage in Rats

Black ginseng (BG) has been widely used as herbal treatment for improving physiological function. In order to investigate the neuroprotective action of this herbal medicine, we examined the influence of BG on the learning and memory of rats using the Morris water maze, and we studied the effects of BG on the central cholinergic system and neural nitric oxide synthesis in the hippocampus of rats with neuronal and cognitive impairment. After middle cerebral artery occlusion was applied for 2h, the rats were administered BG (100 or 400 mgkg(-1), p.o.) daily for 2 weeks, followed by training and performance of the Morris water maze test. The rats with ischemic insults showed impaired learning and memory on the tasks. Treatment with BG produced improvement in the escape latency to find the platform. Further, the BG groups showed a reduced loss of cholinergic immunoreactivity and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d)-positive neurons in the hippocampus compared to that of the ISC group. These results demonstrated that BG has a protective effect against ischemia-induced neuronal and cognitive impairment. Our results suggest that BG might be useful for the treatment of vascular dementia.

Are light traps baited with kairomones effective in the capture of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia intermedia? An evaluation of synthetic human odor as an attractant for phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

Phlebotomine sand flies are often captured with human bait and/or light traps, either with or without an animal bait. More recently, synthetic attractants have been used as bait in traps to improve the capture of phlebotomine sand flies as well as other insects of medical and veterinary importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the kairomone 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and the synthetic human odor BG-Mesh LureTM (BGML - lactic acid, caproic acid and ammonia) baited in modified CDC light traps on the capture of phlebotomine sand flies. The experiments followed the 5x5 Latin square design. Among the species caught, Lutzomyia intermedia apparently presented a dose-dependent response to octenol. The response obtained with the BGML, alone or in combination with octenol (5 mg/h), indicated some degree of attractiveness of these baits to different phlebotomine sand fly species. Octenol seems to be more attractive to L. intermedia than to Lutzomyia longipalpis, while the BGML presented a higher success in capturing L. longipalpis. When the components of the BGML were used separately, there was no increase in catching the female of L. intermedia. Apparently, there was no synergistic effect between the octenol and the BGML. In conclusion, the octenol and the BGML were demonstrated to be possible baits to attract some phlebotomine sand fly species.