Neuropsychological manifestations of long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized Brazilian Patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant increase in number of patients seeking neuropsychological rehabilitation months after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE: Identify the cognitive and psychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC) and explore the association between disease severity during the acute phase and persistent neuropsychological manifestations. METHODS: 614 adults were assessed an average of eight months post-infection. Participants were, on average, 47.6 y.o., who sought rehabilitation for neuropsychological problems. Patients were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The BNIS score was significantly below reference values in all subscales, especially affect and memory. Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing subtest results were also lower. Patients with PASC tested high for anxiety/depression, but there was no statistically significant relationship between HADS and BNIS scores. Neuropsychological evaluations showed no differences in cognitive or psychiatric profiles between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological results suggest executive function problems and high incidence of anxiety/depression, irrespective of acute-phase severity, underscoring a need for neurorehabilitation programs while providing data for public policy initiatives.

Omega-3 Supplementation Prevents Short-Term High-Fat Diet Effects on the α7 Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptor Expression and Inflammatory Response.

The study is aimed at investigating if PUFA supplementation could prevent the effects of a short-term HFD on α7nAChR expression and on the severity of sepsis. Swiss mice were used for the in vivo experiments. For the in vitro experiments, we used a microglia cell line (BV-2) and a hepatoma cell line (Hepa-1c1c7) derived from mice. The animals were either fed standard chow, fed a short-term HFD (60%), or given supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid (2 g/kg or 4 g/kg bw) for 17 days, followed by a short-term HFD. Endotoxemia was induced with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) lipopolysaccharide injection (LPS, 5 or 12 mg/kg), and sepsis was induced by subjecting the animals to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). BV-2 and Hepa-1c1c7 cells were treated with LPS (100 and 500 ng/mL, respectively) for 3 hours. RT-PCR or Western blotting was used to evaluate α7nAChR expression, inflammatory markers, DNMT1, and overall ubiquitination. LPS and HFD reduced the expression of α7nAChR and increased the expression of inflammatory markers. Omega-3 partially prevented the damage caused by the HFD to the expression of α7nAChR in the bone marrow and hypothalamus, decreased the inflammatory markers, and reduced susceptibility to sepsis-induced death. Exposing the BV-2 cells to LPS increased the protein content of DNMT1 and the overall ubiquitination and reduced the expression of α7nAChR. The inflammation induced by LPS in the BV-2 cell decreased α7nAChR expression and concomitantly increased DNMT1 expression and the ubiquitinated protein levels, indicating the participation of pre- and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

The efficacy of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives in controlling the fungus Ilyonectria liriodendri, the causative agent of black foot disease in grapevines.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficiency of derivatives of 8-Hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) in controlling the fungus Ilyonectria liriodendri. METHODS AND RESULTS: The in vitro tests consisted of assessing its susceptibility to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the inhibition of mycelial growth. While the in vivo tests consisted of applying and assessing the most effective products for the protection of wounds, in both preventive + curative and curative forms. The MIC values for PH 151 (6·25 µg ml-1 ) showed better results when compared to the fungicides tebuconazole (>50 µg ml-1 ) and mancozeb (12·5 µg ml-1 for strain 176 and 25 µg ml-1 for strain 1117). PH 151 significantly inhibited mycelial growth, while mancozeb did not differ from the control. In in vivo tests, PH 151 again demonstrated excellent results in vitro, especially when applied preventively. CONCLUSIONS: The derivative of 8HQ PH 151 was effective in controlling the fungus I. liriodendri in vitro and proved to be a promising option for protecting wounds. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study points to the prospect of an effective and safe preventive antifungal product, which would enable the use of pesticides in vine culture to be reduced.

Sarna knemidocóptica (Knemidokoptes spp. ) Em periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus): relato de caso / Knemidocoptic mange (Knemidokoptes spp. ) In australian parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus): case report

Sarna knemidocóptica apresenta relevante importância na clínica e criação de aves. São caracterizadas como ectoparasitos penetrantes, escavadores de túneis dérmicos de hospedeiros susceptíveis, causando-lhes lesões cutâneas graves e parasitando extensa gama de espécies, principalmente aquelas criadas em cativeiro. Periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus) são uma das aves psitacídeas mais comumente mantidas como animais de companhia e, destacando-se entre outras ectoparasitoses, como: ácaros das penas, dos ninhos e larvas de moscas, está o gênero Knemidokoptes spp., responsável pela sarna dos periquitos. Neste relato, foram observados sete M. undulatus da variedade inglesa, adultos sendo quatro fêmeas e 3 machos obtidos na cidade de Porto Ferreira, São Paulo. As aves apresentavam-se irritadas, coçando-se, com mutilações variadas. Pode-se observar níveis distintos de patologia nos exemplares e lesões foram observadas em toda a extensão da pele: do crânio, cera (nariz), bico, derme das asas, cauda e membros inferiores (patas), levado a ausência de penas, formação de placas elevadas de superfície irregular, porosa de coloração brancacenta e aspecto crostoso poroso. Os bordos das lesões apresentavam-se avermelhadas, onde as aves bicavam para coçar até se mutilarem. Foi coletado material córneo das áreas lesionadas e em 100%, observou-se ao microscópio óptico (40x), instares da sarna que, por características morfológicas e parasitárias, sugere-se ser a espécie K. pilae. Cinco dos sete animais: quatro fêmeas e um macho, com maior nível de lesões vieram a óbito mesmo iniciado o tratamento e duas aves: macho, menos infestadas foram curadas, porém perdurando sequelas dérmicas e hábito de coçar os membros. Este é o primeiro relato, comprovado por identificação microscópica do ácaro parasitando periquitos padrão inglês atendidos em Descalvado, SP.

Knemidocoptic mange is of relevant importance in clinical and poultry breeding. They are characterized as penetrating ectoparasites, burrowing into dermal tunnels of susceptible hosts, causing severe skin lesions and parasitizing a wide range of species, especially those bred in captivity. Australian parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus) are one of the parrot birds most commonly kept as companion animals and, standing out among other ectoparasitosis such as: feather mites, nest mites and fly larvae, is the genus Knemidokoptes spp., responsible for mange of birds. parakeets. In this report, seven M. undulatus of the English variety were observed, adults, four females and 3 males, obtained in the city of Porto Ferreira, São Paulo. The birds were irritated, scratching themselves, with various mutilations. Different levels of pathology can be observed in the specimens and lesions were observed along the entire length of the skin: skull, wax (nose), beak, wing dermis, tail and lower limbs (legs), leading to the absence of feathers, formation of raised plaques with irregular surface, porous, whitish color and scaly porous appearance. The edges of the lesions were reddened, where the birds pecked to scratch until they mutilated themselves. Corneal material was collected from the injured areas and 100% of the scab instars were observed under an optical microscope (40x), which, due to morphological and parasitic characteristics, is suggested to be the species K. pilae. Five of the seven animals: four females and one male, with a higher level of lesions, died even after the treatment was started, and two birds: male, less infested were cured, but with dermal sequelae and the habit of scratching the limbs. This is the first report, confirmed by microscopic identification of the mite parasitizing English standard parakeets in Descalvado, SP.

Sarna knemidocóptica (Knemidokoptes spp. ) Em periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus): relato de caso / Knemidocoptic mange (Knemidokoptes spp. ) In australian parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus): case report

Sarna knemidocóptica apresenta relevante importância na clínica e criação de aves. São caracterizadas como ectoparasitos penetrantes, escavadores de túneis dérmicos de hospedeiros susceptíveis, causando-lhes lesões cutâneas graves e parasitando extensa gama de espécies, principalmente aquelas criadas em cativeiro. Periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus) são uma das aves psitacídeas mais comumente mantidas como animais de companhia e, destacando-se entre outras ectoparasitoses, como: ácaros das penas, dos ninhos e larvas de moscas, está o gênero Knemidokoptes spp., responsável pela sarna dos periquitos. Neste relato, foram observados sete M. undulatus da variedade inglesa, adultos sendo quatro fêmeas e 3 machos obtidos na cidade de Porto Ferreira, São Paulo. As aves apresentavam-se irritadas, coçando-se, com mutilações variadas. Pode-se observar níveis distintos de patologia nos exemplares e lesões foram observadas em toda a extensão da pele: do crânio, cera (nariz), bico, derme das asas, cauda e membros inferiores (patas), levado a ausência de penas, formação de placas elevadas de superfície irregular, porosa de coloração brancacenta e aspecto crostoso poroso. Os bordos das lesões apresentavam-se avermelhadas, onde as aves bicavam para coçar até se mutilarem. Foi coletado material córneo das áreas lesionadas e em 100%, observou-se ao microscópio óptico (40x), instares da sarna que, por características morfológicas e parasitárias, sugere-se ser a espécie K. pilae. Cinco dos sete animais: quatro fêmeas e um macho, com maior nível de lesões vieram a óbito mesmo iniciado o tratamento e duas aves: macho, menos infestadas foram curadas, porém perdurando sequelas dérmicas e hábito de coçar os membros. Este é o primeiro relato, comprovado por identificação microscópica do ácaro parasitando periquitos padrão inglês atendidos em Descalvado, SP.(AU)

Knemidocoptic mange is of relevant importance in clinical and poultry breeding. They are characterized as penetrating ectoparasites, burrowing into dermal tunnels of susceptible hosts, causing severe skin lesions and parasitizing a wide range of species, especially those bred in captivity. Australian parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus) are one of the parrot birds most commonly kept as companion animals and, standing out among other ectoparasitosis such as: feather mites, nest mites and fly larvae, is the genus Knemidokoptes spp., responsible for mange of birds. parakeets. In this report, seven M. undulatus of the English variety were observed, adults, four females and 3 males, obtained in the city of Porto Ferreira, São Paulo. The birds were irritated, scratching themselves, with various mutilations. Different levels of pathology can be observed in the specimens and lesions were observed along the entire length of the skin: skull, wax (nose), beak, wing dermis, tail and lower limbs (legs), leading to the absence of feathers, formation of raised plaques with irregular surface, porous, whitish color and scaly porous appearance. The edges of the lesions were reddened, where the birds pecked to scratch until they mutilated themselves. Corneal material was collected from the injured areas and 100% of the scab instars were observed under an optical microscope (40x), which, due to morphological and parasitic characteristics, is suggested to be the species K. pilae. Five of the seven animals: four females and one male, with a higher level of lesions, died even after the treatment was started, and two birds: male, less infested were cured, but with dermal sequelae and the habit of scratching the limbs. This is the first report, confirmed by microscopic identification of the mite parasitizing English standard parakeets in Descalvado, SP.(AU)

SARNA KNEMIDOCÓPTICA (Knemidokoptes spp.) EM PERIQUITOS AUSTRALIANOS (Melopsittacus undulatus): RELATO DE CASO

Sarna knemidocóptica apresenta relevante importância na clínica e criação de aves. São caracterizadas como ectoparasitos penetrantes, escavadores de túneis dérmicos de hospedeiros susceptíveis, causando-lhes lesões cutâneas graves e parasitando extensa gama de espécies, principalmente aquelas criadas em cativeiro. Periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus) são uma das aves psitacídeas mais comumente mantidas como animais de companhia e, destacando-se entre outras ectoparasitoses, como: ácaros das penas, dos ninhos e larvas de moscas, está o gênero Knemidokoptes spp., responsável pela sarna dos periquitos. Neste relato, foram observados sete M. undulatus da variedade inglesa, adultos sendo quatro fêmeas e 3 machos obtidos na cidade de Porto Ferreira, São Paulo. As aves apresentavam-se irritadas, coçando-se, com mutilações variadas. Pode-se observar níveis distintos de patologia nos exemplares e lesões foram observadas em toda a extensão da pele: do crânio, cera (nariz), bico, derme das asas, cauda e membros inferiores (patas), levado a ausência de penas, formação de placas elevadas de superfície irregular, porosa de coloração brancacenta e aspecto crostoso poroso. Os bordos das lesões apresentavam-se avermelhadas, onde as aves bicavam para coçar até se mutilarem. Foi coletado material córneo das áreas lesionadas e em 100%, observou-se ao microscópio óptico (40x), instares

Relationship Between Stink Bug Populations in Winter Shelters and Atmospheric Variables in Soybean Growing Areas in Southern Brazil.

Stink bugs (Pentatomidae) are among the main entomological problems in the international farming. Their ability in using alternative plants (refuges) during the off-season is one of the reasons that led them to the status of key pests in several crops. Like other insect species, stink bugs are subject to atmospheric variations. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the abundance, the co-occurrence, and its variations according to the weather in the off-season. The work was conducted between 2014 and 2018, in the municipality of Cruz Alta, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Every year, refuges formed by Poaceae and located around the cropped area were evaluated in the second fortnight of June, corresponding to the beginning of the winter solstice. Atmospheric variables corresponding to the evaluation period were used to explain the variation in the populations. In short, our results demonstrated interannual variations in the population abundance of stink bugs in the evaluated refuges. We also found variations in the co-occurrence between species. Finally, we demonstrate the trend in the increase in these refuges in years with cold and dry off-seasons.

Lipid excess affects chaperone-mediated autophagy in hypothalamus.

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Overweight and obesity directly affect health-related quality of life and also have an important economic impact on healthcare systems. In experimental models, obesity leads to hypothalamic inflammation and loss of metabolic homeostasis. It is known that macroautophagy is decreased in the hypothalamus of obese mice but the role of chaperone-mediated autophagy is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of hypothalamic chaperone-mediated autophagy in response to high-fat diet and also the direct effect of palmitate on hypothalamic neurons. Mice received chow or high-fat diet for 3 days or 1 week. At the end of the experimental protocol, chaperone-mediated autophagy in hypothalamus was investigated, as well as cytokines expression. In other set of experiments, neuronal cell lines were treated with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. We show that chaperone-mediated autophagy is differently regulated in response to high-fat diet intake for 3 days or 1 week. Also, when hypothalamic neurons are directly exposed to palmitate there is activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy. High-fat diet causes hypothalamic inflammation concomitantly to changes in the content of chaperone-mediated autophagy machinery. It remains to be studied the direct role of inflammation and lipids itself on the activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy in the hypothalamus in vivo and also the neuronal implications of chaperone-mediated autophagy inhibition in response to obesity.

Secondary origin, hybridization and sexual reproduction in a diploid-tetraploid contact zone of the facultatively apomictic orchid Zygopetalum mackayi.

The production of triploids and apomictic reproduction are important processes for polyploid establishment and cytotype coexistence, but we know little about the interaction between triploids and facultatively apomictic plants. To bridge this gap, we studied the pollen-dependent, facultatively apomictic orchid Zygopetalum mackayi from high-elevation outcrops of southeast Brazil. We described the nature of the contact between Z. mackayi cytotypes and patterns of genetic diversity and structure based on eight microsatellite markers and 155 individuals of pure tetraploid, pure diploid and mixed cytotype populations. Our results revealed high values of genetic and genotypic diversity within all populations of Z. mackayi. Each cytotype emerged as a genetic distinct cluster, combining individuals from different populations. Triploids clustered in an intermediate position between diploids and tetraploids. Most genetic variance is associated with individuals within populations and genetic differentiation is high among populations. Mixed cytotype populations of Z. mackayi originate from secondary contact. Triploids are hybrids between diploids and tetraploids and likely act as a bridge. Our results point to the predominance of sexual reproduction in all populations but do not corroborate previous basic chromosome number for this species. Polyploidy rather than facultative apomixis may explain the larger geographic distribution of tetraploids of Z. mackayi.

Maternal high fat diet consumption reduces liver alpha7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor expression and impairs insulin signalling in the offspring.

The activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit (α7nAChR) has been associated to anti-inflammatory response in macrophages. High-fat diet (HFD) consumption during pregnancy and lactation impairs the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in liver and white adipose tissue of offspring. In order to evaluate the relationship between damage in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and insulin resistance (IR) development, the liver of offspring of obese dams was investigated. Additionally, the capacity of α7nAChR activation to reduce IR induced by saturated fatty acid was investigated in hepatoma cell line. Initially, female mice were subjected to either standard chow (SC) or HFD during pregnancy and lactation period. After weaning, only male offspring from HFD dams (HFD-O) and SC dams (SC-O) were fed with the SC diet. Hepatic α7nAChR expression was downregulated, and hepatic TNF-α, IL-1ß, and pIKK level, but not pJNK, were elevated in the HFD-O compared to SC-O mice. Besides, hepatic expression of TNF-α in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was higher in HFD-O than SC-O mice. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the AKT was lower in HFD-O compared to SC-O. Additionally, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the AKT in KOα7Alb-Cre mice fed HFD was lower than WT mice fed HFD. In hepatoma cell line, palmitate increased IL-6 and TNF-α expressions and pJNK level. These effects were accompanied by reduced capacity of insulin to stimulate AKT phosphorylation. PNU or nicotine reduced cytokine expression and JNK activation, but improved insulin resistance induced by palmitate. Our results suggest that maternal obesity impairs hepatic α7nAChR expression and AKT phosphorylation in the offspring. In vitro studies suggest that α7nAChR activation has potential to reduce deleterious effect of saturated fatty acids on insulin signalling.

Atividade inseticida do Spinosad sobre Alphitobius diaperinus em fezes de poedeiras comerciais naturalmente infestadas / Insecticidal activity of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus in naturally infested excrements of commercial hens

Objetivou-se neste ensaio experimental avaliar a eficácia do Spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus desenvolvendo-se em fezes de galinhas poedeiras de ovos comerciais. Foi avaliada a presença de adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus, presentes no esterco localizado sob as gaiolas, nos dias 2 e 1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 e 61 pós-tratamento. O Spinosad, na concentração de 250ppm, quando aplicado na dose de 0,126L/m2 mostrou-se ineficaz contra cascudinhos. As doses de 0,252L/m2 e de 0,504L/m2 (400ppm) mostraram-se igualmente eficazes contra adultos de cascudinhos até o 6ºDPT, atingindo percentuais de eficácia de 91,30% e 90,15%. Contra larvas de A. diaperinus, as diluições de 0,126L/m2 e de 0,252 L/m2 (Spinosad 400ppm) foram eficazes, respectivamente, até o 19ºDPT (96,71%) e 33ºDPT (85,70%). Período mais prolongado de eficácia contra A. diaperinus foi observado com Spinosad a 400ppm, na dose de 0,504L/m2: 19DPT (89,55%) para adultos e 54DPT (92,72%) para larvas, demonstrando o período ativo deste tratamento, confirmando a hipótese de que o Spinosad apresenta potencial inseticida para controle de infestações de A. diaperinus infestando em fezes de poedeiras comerciais, representando uma alternativa para programas sanitários avícolas que utilizem a rotação de princípios ativos como forma de mitigar a seleção de resistência nas populações do coleóptero.

The objective of this experimental trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus developing in feces from laying hens of commercial eggs. The presence of adults and larvae of A. diaperinus, present in the manure located under the cages, on days –2 and –1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 and 61 was evaluated after treatment. Spinosad, at a concentration of 250ppm, when applied at a dose of 0.126L / m2 was shown to be ineffective against “lesser mealworm”. The doses of 0.252L / m2 and 0.504L / m2 (400ppm) proved to be equally effective against adults of strawberries up to the 6th PDT, reaching efficacy percentages of 91.30% and 90.15%. Against A. diaperinus larvae, the dilutions of 0.126 L / m2 and 0.252 L / m2 (Spinosad - 400ppm) were effective, respectively, up to 19ºDPT (96.71%) and 33ºDPT (85.70%). The longest period of effectiveness against A. diaperinus was observed with Spinosad at 400ppm, at a dose of 0.504L / m2: 19DPT (89.55%) for adults and 54DPT (92.72%) for larvae, demonstrating the active period of this treatment, confirming the hypothesis that Spinosad has potential insecticide to control infestations of A. diaperinus infesting in commercial laying faeces, representing an alternative for poultry health programs that use the rotation of active ingredients as a way to mitigate the selection of resistance in populations of the coleoptera.

Eficácia in vitro do spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / In vitro effectiveness of spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Com a expansão avícola industrial, Alphitobius diaperinus tem se apresentado mundialmente como uma das principais pragas da avicultura moderna. Destacam-se inúmeros prejuízos, entre eles, redução no ganho de peso e veiculação de agentes potencialmente patogênicos entre as aves. Medidas de controle sanitário envolvendo o manejo correto do substrato utilizado como cama para as aves e tratamento das instalações têm sido pesquisadas e aplicadas. Em busca de novas alternativas para o controle de A. diaperinus, avaliou-se, neste estudo, a ação do Spinosad produto da síntese da fermentação aeróbica de um fungo actinomiceto presente no solo, Sacharopolyspora spinosa. Para tanto, dois experimentos “in vitro” foram conduzidos, o primeiro utilizando-se tratamento direto dos coleópteros em placas de petri e o segundo, em condições simuladas de “cama de aves” utilizando-se a casca de arroz. Os estudos em placas de petri revelaram percentuais de eficácia de 99,67% e 99,33% no controle de adultos 24º dias após tratamento (DPT), bem como 97,0% e 96,0% no controle de larvas (24ºDPT), respectivamente para o tratamento com Spinosad nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm. A aplicação do 250 ppm Spinosad na casca de arroz resultou em percentuais de eficácia superiores (74,39%, 76,92% e 77,82% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente) quando comparados ao tratamento com 400ppm (68,51%, 68,18% e 70,55% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente), apesar de não ter sido observada diferença estatística significativa entre estes achados (P>0,05). Portanto, verificou-se neste estudo que o Spinosad, nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm, via spray, mostrou-se eficaz tanto aplicado diretamente sobre A. diaperinus (adultos e larvas) ou quando dispersados em casca de arroz parasitada.

With the expansion of industrial poultry, Alphitobius diaperinus represents one of the main pests of modern for poultry production in the world. Numerous losses stand out, such as: reduction in weight gain and transmission of pathogens among birds.. Sanitary control measures with correct handling of the substrate used as litter and treatment of facilities have been researched and applied. In search of a new alternative for the control of A. diaperinus, in this study, the action of Spinosad, synthesis of the aerobic fermentation of an actinomycete fungus present in the soil, Sacharopolyspora spinosa, was evaluated. For this purpose, two "in vitro" experiments were conducted, the first using direct treatment of the coleoptera in petri dishes and the second, under simulated conditions of "poultry litter" using the rice husk. Petri dish studies revealed 99.67% and 99.33% efficacy percentages for adult control (24DPT), as well as 97.0% and 96.0% for larvae control (24º Days post-treatment- DPT) respectively for treatment with Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm. The application of 250 ppm Spinosad in the rice husk resulted in higher efficacy percentages (74.39%, 76.92% and 77.82% in the 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT and 30ºDPT, respectively) when compared to the 400ppm treatment (68.51 %, 68.18% and 70.55% in the 16th PDT, 23rd PDT and 30th PDT, respectively), although no statistically significant difference was observed between these findings (P> 0.05). Therefore,it was observed that Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm, via spray, showed efficacy when applied directly on A. diaperinus (adults and larvae) or dispersed in parasitized rice husks.

Atividade inseticida do Spinosad sobre Alphitobius diaperinus em fezes de poedeiras comerciais naturalmente infestadas / Insecticidal activity of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus in naturally infested excrements of commercial hens

Objetivou-se neste ensaio experimental avaliar a eficácia do Spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus desenvolvendo-se em fezes de galinhas poedeiras de ovos comerciais. Foi avaliada a presença de adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus, presentes no esterco localizado sob as gaiolas, nos dias 2 e 1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 e 61 pós-tratamento. O Spinosad, na concentração de 250ppm, quando aplicado na dose de 0,126L/m2 mostrou-se ineficaz contra cascudinhos. As doses de 0,252L/m2 e de 0,504L/m2 (400ppm) mostraram-se igualmente eficazes contra adultos de cascudinhos até o 6ºDPT, atingindo percentuais de eficácia de 91,30% e 90,15%. Contra larvas de A. diaperinus, as diluições de 0,126L/m2 e de 0,252 L/m2 (Spinosad 400ppm) foram eficazes, respectivamente, até o 19ºDPT (96,71%) e 33ºDPT (85,70%). Período mais prolongado de eficácia contra A. diaperinus foi observado com Spinosad a 400ppm, na dose de 0,504L/m2: 19DPT (89,55%) para adultos e 54DPT (92,72%) para larvas, demonstrando o período ativo deste tratamento, confirmando a hipótese de que o Spinosad apresenta potencial inseticida para controle de infestações de A. diaperinus infestando em fezes de poedeiras comerciais, representando uma alternativa para programas sanitários avícolas que utilizem a rotação de princípios ativos como forma de mitigar a seleção de resistência nas populações do coleóptero.(AU)

The objective of this experimental trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus developing in feces from laying hens of commercial eggs. The presence of adults and larvae of A. diaperinus, present in the manure located under the cages, on days –2 and –1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 and 61 was evaluated after treatment. Spinosad, at a concentration of 250ppm, when applied at a dose of 0.126L / m2 was shown to be ineffective against “lesser mealworm”. The doses of 0.252L / m2 and 0.504L / m2 (400ppm) proved to be equally effective against adults of strawberries up to the 6th PDT, reaching efficacy percentages of 91.30% and 90.15%. Against A. diaperinus larvae, the dilutions of 0.126 L / m2 and 0.252 L / m2 (Spinosad - 400ppm) were effective, respectively, up to 19ºDPT (96.71%) and 33ºDPT (85.70%). The longest period of effectiveness against A. diaperinus was observed with Spinosad at 400ppm, at a dose of 0.504L / m2: 19DPT (89.55%) for adults and 54DPT (92.72%) for larvae, demonstrating the active period of this treatment, confirming the hypothesis that Spinosad has potential insecticide to control infestations of A. diaperinus infesting in commercial laying faeces, representing an alternative for poultry health programs that use the rotation of active ingredients as a way to mitigate the selection of resistance in populations of the coleoptera.(AU)

Eficácia in vitro do spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / In vitro effectiveness of spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Com a expansão avícola industrial, Alphitobius diaperinus tem se apresentado mundialmente como uma das principais pragas da avicultura moderna. Destacam-se inúmeros prejuízos, entre eles, redução no ganho de peso e veiculação de agentes potencialmente patogênicos entre as aves. Medidas de controle sanitário envolvendo o manejo correto do substrato utilizado como cama para as aves e tratamento das instalações têm sido pesquisadas e aplicadas. Em busca de novas alternativas para o controle de A. diaperinus, avaliou-se, neste estudo, a ação do Spinosad produto da síntese da fermentação aeróbica de um fungo actinomiceto presente no solo, Sacharopolyspora spinosa. Para tanto, dois experimentos “in vitro” foram conduzidos, o primeiro utilizando-se tratamento direto dos coleópteros em placas de petri e o segundo, em condições simuladas de “cama de aves” utilizando-se a casca de arroz. Os estudos em placas de petri revelaram percentuais de eficácia de 99,67% e 99,33% no controle de adultos 24º dias após tratamento (DPT), bem como 97,0% e 96,0% no controle de larvas (24ºDPT), respectivamente para o tratamento com Spinosad nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm. A aplicação do 250 ppm Spinosad na casca de arroz resultou em percentuais de eficácia superiores (74,39%, 76,92% e 77,82% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente) quando comparados ao tratamento com 400ppm (68,51%, 68,18% e 70,55% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente), apesar de não ter sido observada diferença estatística significativa entre estes achados (P>0,05). Portanto, verificou-se neste estudo que o Spinosad, nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm, via spray, mostrou-se eficaz tanto aplicado diretamente sobre A. diaperinus (adultos e larvas) ou quando dispersados em casca de arroz parasitada.(AU)

With the expansion of industrial poultry, Alphitobius diaperinus represents one of the main pests of modern for poultry production in the world. Numerous losses stand out, such as: reduction in weight gain and transmission of pathogens among birds.. Sanitary control measures with correct handling of the substrate used as litter and treatment of facilities have been researched and applied. In search of a new alternative for the control of A. diaperinus, in this study, the action of Spinosad, synthesis of the aerobic fermentation of an actinomycete fungus present in the soil, Sacharopolyspora spinosa, was evaluated. For this purpose, two "in vitro" experiments were conducted, the first using direct treatment of the coleoptera in petri dishes and the second, under simulated conditions of "poultry litter" using the rice husk. Petri dish studies revealed 99.67% and 99.33% efficacy percentages for adult control (24DPT), as well as 97.0% and 96.0% for larvae control (24º Days post-treatment- DPT) respectively for treatment with Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm. The application of 250 ppm Spinosad in the rice husk resulted in higher efficacy percentages (74.39%, 76.92% and 77.82% in the 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT and 30ºDPT, respectively) when compared to the 400ppm treatment (68.51 %, 68.18% and 70.55% in the 16th PDT, 23rd PDT and 30th PDT, respectively), although no statistically significant difference was observed between these findings (P> 0.05). Therefore,it was observed that Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm, via spray, showed efficacy when applied directly on A. diaperinus (adults and larvae) or dispersed in parasitized rice husks.(AU)

Permeation of beta-defensin-3 encapsulated with polyethylene glycol in lung surfactant models at air-water interface.

Coarse grained molecular dynamics of the permeation of the peptide human beta-defensin-3 (HBD3) in two different lung surfactant models (BLES and CUROSURF) at surface tension of 20 mN m-1 was performed in order to simulate the effect of charge distribution on the permeation process. We found that HBD3 permeates in lung surfactant models at surface tension of 20 mN m-1. However, it sticks to the phospholipid polar heads, possibly having its bactericidal properties inactivated by electrostatic interaction. The HBD3 encapsulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules does permeate, but it does not interact with the polar heads. The Gibbs free energies of this process in both models were estimated to be -39 and -64 Kcal mol-1 for HBD3 and PEG-encapsulated HBD3, respectively. The peptide HBD3 was pulled from the polar heads to the water phase overcoming an energy barrier of around 17 and 22 Kcal mol-1, respectively. The peptide was encapsulated with PEG molecules in order to reduce this barrier, thereby decreasing to roughly 12 and 0 Kcal mol-1 in BLES and CUROSURF models, respectively. After permeation of the HBD3 encapsulated with PEG, it freely moves in the water phase with little or none interaction with the phospholipid head groups. Lung surfactant with low charge distribution seems to have less or none electrostatic interaction with HBD3, possibly preserving its antimicrobial activity.

Insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides on adults of Alphitobius diaperinus / Eficácia inseticida de extratos aquosos do Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus

Seeking alternative strategies for health management to control mealworm in poultry barns, in vitro study evaluated the insecticide effect of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides extracts against adults of Alphitobius diaperinus. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8%. To study insecticidal effects was designed an experiment containing groups with 20 adults in 3 replicates for each treatment, evaluating the mortality percentage of 1, 3, 16 and 24 hours after treatment with counting of live and dead adults. Greater insecticidal effect was observed in treated mealworm with 8 % of R. communis aqueous extract (59.0%) compared to C. ambrosioides and B. trimera which had percentages of mortality of 44.6% and 0.0% at the same concentration, respectively. The aqueous extracts of R. communis and C. ambrosioides at 8% showed promising results for the control of adults mealworm. However, pharmacological studies must be designed to determine strategies and formulations for viable application of these extracts in poultry facilities, as well as to determinate the formulations stability, clinical and environmental safety treatments.

Na expectativa de buscar estratégias alternativas de manejo sanitário para controle do cascudinho em aviários, este estudo avaliou a eficácia inseticida in vitro dos extratos de Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus. Os extratos foram testados nas concentrações de 0, 2, 4 e 8%. Para avaliação inseticida foi delineado experimento contendo grupos de 20 adultos de cascudinhos em três repetições para cada tratamento, avaliando-se o percentual de mortalidade 1, 3, 16 e 24 h após o tratamento, com contagem dos adultos vivos e mortos. Foi possível observar maior efeito inseticida na formulação de extrato aquoso 8% do R. communis (59,0%), comparativamente ao C. ambrosioides e B. trimera que apresentaram percentuais de mortalidade de 44,6% e 0,0% na mesma concentração, respectivamente. Os extratos aquosos de R. communis e C. ambrosioides a 8% demonstraram resultados promissores para o controle de adultos de cascudinho. Contudo, estudos farmacológicos devem ser delineados visando determinar estratégias e formulações viáveis para aplicação destes extratos em aviários, assim como, defenir a estabilidade das formulações, segurança clínica e ambiental dos tratamentos.

Insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides on adults of Alphitobius diaperinus / Eficácia inseticida de extratos aquosos do Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus

Seeking alternative strategies for health management to control mealworm in poultry barns, in vitro study evaluated the insecticide effect of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides extracts against adults of Alphitobius diaperinus. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8%. To study insecticidal effects was designed an experiment containing groups with 20 adults in 3 replicates for each treatment, evaluating the mortality percentage of 1, 3, 16 and 24 hours after treatment with counting of live and dead adults. Greater insecticidal effect was observed in treated mealworm with 8 % of R. communis aqueous extract (59.0%) compared to C. ambrosioides and B. trimera which had percentages of mortality of 44.6% and 0.0% at the same concentration, respectively. The aqueous extracts of R. communis and C. ambrosioides at 8% showed promising results for the control of adults mealworm. However, pharmacological studies must be designed to determine strategies and formulations for viable application of these extracts in poultry facilities, as well as to determinate the formulations stability, clinical and environmental safety treatments.(AU)

Na expectativa de buscar estratégias alternativas de manejo sanitário para controle do cascudinho em aviários, este estudo avaliou a eficácia inseticida in vitro dos extratos de Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus. Os extratos foram testados nas concentrações de 0, 2, 4 e 8%. Para avaliação inseticida foi delineado experimento contendo grupos de 20 adultos de cascudinhos em três repetições para cada tratamento, avaliando-se o percentual de mortalidade 1, 3, 16 e 24 h após o tratamento, com contagem dos adultos vivos e mortos. Foi possível observar maior efeito inseticida na formulação de extrato aquoso 8% do R. communis (59,0%), comparativamente ao C. ambrosioides e B. trimera que apresentaram percentuais de mortalidade de 44,6% e 0,0% na mesma concentração, respectivamente. Os extratos aquosos de R. communis e C. ambrosioides a 8% demonstraram resultados promissores para o controle de adultos de cascudinho. Contudo, estudos farmacológicos devem ser delineados visando determinar estratégias e formulações viáveis para aplicação destes extratos em aviários, assim como, defenir a estabilidade das formulações, segurança clínica e ambiental dos tratamentos.(AU)