Life Table Parameters of Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Five Host Plants.

The quality of the host plant affects the life history parameters of tetranychid mites. The biology and fertility life tables of Tetranychus merganser on five host plants (Carica papaya, Phaseolus vulgaris, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Helietta parvifolia, and Rosa hybrida) were assessed under laboratory conditions at 28 ± 1 °C and 70-80% relative humidity (RH) with a photoperiod of 12:12 h (L:D). The development period of immature females differed among the tested host plants and ranged from 9.32 days on P. vulgaris to 11.34 days on H. parvifolia. For immature males, it ranged from 9.25 days on P. vulgaris to 11.50 days on H. parvifolia. The female survival rate varied from 53.97% on H. parvifolia to 94.74% on P. vulgaris. The highest total fecundity rate was recorded on P. vulgaris (125.40 eggs/female) and the lowest on H. parvifolia (43.92 eggs/female). The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) varied from 0.271 (H. parvifolia) to 0.391 (P. vulgaris). The net reproductive rate (RO) was higher on P. vulgaris than on the other host plants. The longest mean generation time (GT) was calculated on C. annuum var. glabriusculum and the shortest on Rosa hybrida. The demographic parameters suggest the unsuitability of H. parvifolia as the host for the development of red spider mites, and the best performance of T. merganser was on P. vulgaris.

Evaluation of Ethanolic Powdered Extract of Magnolia tamaulipana Vazquez against Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae).

Avocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) has potential for development in several plant species of agricultural importance. ABM is one of the most economically important pests in avocado cultivars, causing major damage to fruit and defoliation. At present, the control of ABM depends mainly on agrochemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives to agrochemicals that can help minimize environmental impact and health risks for humans and mammals. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 µg/mL) of ethanolic powdered extract of M. tamaulipana leaves against adult ABM females. The different concentrations of M. tamaulipana extract did not cause mortality of O. punicae. Females treated with 5 and 1000 µg/mL of the extract showed a decrease in the number of eggs laid per female at 24 (5.17 and 1.27), 48 (5.07 and 1.17), and 72 h (4.97 and 0.80), compared to the control treatment (5.20, 6.60 and 6.87), respectively, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. Percentage of feeding damage decreased with the increasing concentration of the extract. The ethanolic powdered extract of M. tamaulipana leaf has potential to control O. punicae.

Conjunctive use of synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement in Fe-oxide clays for forensic applications.

Soils have distinctive chemical, physical, mineralogical and biological properties, which make it possible to differentiate them in different environments and also to test for an association of a particular questioned item with a crime scene. Mineral compositions and structures in the soil clay fraction can reflect a distinct characteristic when analyzed by powerful techniques. In this way, the aim of this study was to compare the discriminative power of Fe-oxides concentrated clay samples from the same soil class with and without differences in parent material when analyzed using the Rietveld method and two sources of X-ray diffraction: conventional and high-resolution synchrotron radiations. Clay samples were Fe concentrated (kaolinite and gibbsite removal) to clarify mineralogical composition of 12 samples from three simulated crime scenes, developed under claystone and granite. By Rietveld refinement, detailed crystallographic data were obtained to discriminate samples according their provenance. By synchrotron radiation, mineral data demonstrated the power of quantitative (crystallite size and minerals contents) and qualitative (identification of majoritarian and accessory minerals) analysis by Rietveld refinement, which provides well-resolved data able to discriminate samples from different and same geology. The techniques can be applied in other criminal investigations given their potential of discrimination.

The Resistance of Seven Host Plants to Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae).

Red spider mites, Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an agricultural pest that causes economic losses in papaya and nopal crops in Mexico. The aim of this research was to assess antibiosis and antixenosis as resistance mechanisms in seven host plants (Thevetia ahouai, Carica papaya, Phaseolus vulgaris, Moringa oleifera, Pittosporum tobira, Helietta parvifolia, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) to red spider mites. Antixenosis was evaluated by non-preference for oviposition and feeding, antibiosis by infinitesimal rate of increase, finite rate of increase and doubling time, and the percentage of spider mites mortality. Oviposition and damage by feeding of T. merganser were significantly greater on C. papaya than on the other host plants. The growth rate of the spider mite was significantly lower in P. tobira and T. ahouai than in the other host plants. The percentage of hatched eggs of T. merganser was significantly higher in P. vulgaris than in the other plant species. Based on the demographic parameters, survival, food intake, and oviposition, these results indicated that compared with C. papaya, P. tobira and T. ahouai were more resistant. These results may be due to the fact that they were plants species of different families. The resistant plants can be studied as alternatives in the management of T. merganser.

Building an isoscape based on tooth enamel for human provenance estimation in Brazil.

In this study, we present a correlation between δ18OC values of carbonate in tooth enamel samples from the modern Brazilian population and the available δ18ODW data for the meteoric water from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP). Tooth enamel from 119 Brazilian individuals from five different regions of the country were analyzed. The δ18OC isoscape obtained is in good agreement with the isoscape based on regional meteoric and drinking water. The regression matrix obtained for the δ18O values of the carbonate tooth enamel and meteoric water was used to build an isoscape using the regression-kriging approach. Our data show that Brazil can be divided in two main regions with respect to the δ18O values of the carbonate tooth enamel: (1) the most easterly part of the northeast region, which is characterized by a warm and dry climate and (2) the remainder of the country, stretching from the Amazon rain forest to the more southernly regions. The data herein reported can be used for forensic purposes related to human identification.

Bioacaricidal Potential of Moringa oleifera Ethanol Extract for Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) Control.

The Tetranychidae family includes mites causing severe damage to agricultural fields. The red spider mite, Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae), causes severe damage to several plant species grown as cash crops. Current red spider mite control depends mainly on chemical insecticides. There is a need for alternate control measures that are environmentally friendlier than chemical pesticides. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20% (v/v)) against T. merganser females. Such effects can serve as a basis to include this compound in integrated pest management programs for the control of red spider mites. Mites treated with 20% (v/v) killed 86.67%, 13.70%, and 96.30% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, as compared to the control treatment. Oviposition, egg hatching, and the damage caused by red spider mites were all reduced at high concentrations. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract can be used as a powerful bioacaricide for the control of T. merganser.

Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. as Acaricide against Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae).

Tetranychidae family is a major group of mites causing serious damage in agricultural, vegetable and ornamental crops. Avocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) causes major crop damage, defoliation and fruit abortion. At present, the control of this mite depends mainly on agrochemicals. Therefore it is necessary to find alternatives to synthetic pesticides that can help minimize environmental impact and health risks for the consumers. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v)) of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves against adult ABM females. Mites treated with 0.1 and 20% (v/v) of the extract showed mortality of 0.00% and 46.67%, 6.67% and 86.67%, 13.70% and 96.67%, at 24, 48 and 72 h, as compared to the control treatment, respectively. The number of eggs laid and hatch, as well as ABM feeding rates, depended on the extract concentration, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. M. oleifera leaf ethanolic extract has potential to control O. punicae.

Revision of the Amphibolips species of the 'nassa' complex from Mexico and central America (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae).

The cynipid gall wasp species of Amphibolips (Cynipidae: Cynipini) belonging to the "nassa" complex are reviewed for Mexico and Central America. Five new species are described: A. bassae Cuesta-Porta Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. bromus Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp., A. kinseyi Cuesta-Porta Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. rulli Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp., and A. turulli Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp. Amphibolips quercuspomiformis (Bassett) comb. nov. is redescribed and Amphibolips malinche Nieves-Aldrey Maldonado is proposed as a new synonym of A. hidalgoensis Pujade-Villar Melika. The validity of A. dampfi is discussed. Diagnostic characters, distribution, host-plant relationships, and biology are provided. Also new diagnostic characters and new distribution data for earlier described species are given. Keys to adults and galls for all known "nassa" complex species from Mexico and Central America are presented.

Can analysis of a small clod of soil help to solve a murder case?

Soil forensics utilizes extensive soil information to answer legal questions and test hypotheses. The main difficulty often is the determination of different variables from a small amount of soil sample collected on the suspect. We developed a sequential mineralogical and chemical analyses to assess a limited quantity of soil vestiges (0.5 g) from a suspect's vehicle (adhered to the outside rear-view mirror and to the left front fender) involved in a murder case and compared them with the surface samples found at the victim's body disposal site at the Graciosa Road, Paraná State, Brazil. All results affirm that the suspect's vehicle could have been in contact with the edge of the Graciosa Road, approximately the place where the victim's body was located. As a result of the soil analysis and comparison, the results support the likely contact of the suspect's vehicle with the crime scene.

Recent syphilis with oral manifestations: three case reports treated at a STD clinic / Sífilis recente com manifestação oral: relato de três casos atendidos em uma clínica de DST

Introduction: The occurrence of sexually transmitted infections with oral manifestations, such as syphilis, remains a challenge in the era of rapid tests associated with an adequate clinical evaluation in the patients' approach. Objective: To describe the clinical and laboratory aspects involved, from the diagnosis to prognosis, of three case reports of recent syphilis with oral manifestations attended at a university clinic in the city of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Case report: Three cases of recent syphilis with oral manifestations in the tongue region. The first one, a 38-year-old female patient who presented syphilis in regions of the body other than the oral cavity (case I); the second one, a 31-year-old male patient with oral ulcerative lesions with associated genital lesion (case II); and, finally, a 49-year-old female patient suspected of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions, in which syphilis was confirmed after a long path to obtain her diagnosis (case III). All cases were laboratory tested at the time of diagnosis and received appropriate treatment and guidance. Conclusion: It was possible to observe through the present study that some situations need attention: evaluation of the oral cavity should occur concomitantly with the investigation of genital lesions; diagnosis hypothesis of occurrence of syphilis with oral manifestation should be considered in the clinical evaluation; oral lesions may present similar clinical manifestations, suggesting investigation of their possible infectious etiology.

Introdução: A abordagem das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis com manifestações orais, tais como a sífilis, ainda permanece um desafio na era dos testes rápidos associados à adequada avaliação clínica na assistência de pacientes. Objetivo: Descrever os aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais envolvidos, do diagnóstico ao prognóstico, de três casos clínicos de sífilis recente com manifestações orais atendidos em uma clínica universitária do município de Niterói, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Relato de caso: Trata-se de três casos de sífilis recente com manifestações orais na região de língua, que ocorreram em: uma paciente do sexo feminino, 38 anos, em que as manifestações da sífilis foram observadas em outras regiões do corpo e na cavidade oral (caso I); um paciente do sexo masculino, 31 anos, que apresentava lesões ulceradas orais com lesão genital associada (caso II); e, por fim, uma paciente do sexo feminino, 49 anos, sob suspeita de infecção pelo vírus do papiloma humano (HPV) oral, em que foi confirmada sífilis após percorrer um longo trajeto até o estabelecimento do seu diagnóstico (caso III). Todos os casos realizaram testes laboratoriais por ocasião do diagnóstico e receberam tratamento e orientação adequados. Conclusão: Foi possível observar pelo presente estudo algumas situações que necessitam de atenção: a avaliação da cavidade oral deve ocorrer de forma concomitante e sistemática com a investigação de lesões genitais; a hipótese diagnóstica de ocorrência de sífilis com manifestação oral deve ser considerada na avaliação clínica; lesões bucais podem apresentar manifestações clínicas similares a outras doenças, sugerindo investigação de sua possível etiologia infecciosa ou não.

Cost-Effectiveness of rFVIIa versus pd-aPCC in the Management of Mild to Moderate Bleeds in Pediatric Patients with Hemophilia A with Inhibitors in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the costs and clinical consequences of treating mild-to-moderate joint bleeds with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) versus plasma-derived activated prothrombin complex concentrate (pd-aPCC) in pediatric patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors in Mexico. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness model was developed using TreeAge Pro v14.2.2 software (licensed in the USA) and adapted from a previously published model, with adjustments to reflect local clinical practice. Expert opinion was sought regarding patients' clinical management and resource utilization in Mexico to ensure that the current model was appropriate and relevant. The model compared rFVIIa and pd-aPCC for the treatment of mild-to-moderate joint bleeds in children <14 years old (assumed average weight: 30 kg). The analysis outcome was incremental cost per resolved mild-to-moderate joint bleed. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to assess specific assumptions and to address any uncertainty in the model. RESULTS: The cost of treating mild-to-moderate joint bleeds was lower for rFVIIa versus pd-aPCC after 7 days (MX$105,581 vs. MX$132,024), assuming complete bleed resolution. After 48 hours, rFVIIa was associated with an 8% improvement in bleed resolution versus pd-aPCC, resulting in cost savings of MX$16,754. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that rFVIIa treatment was more cost-effective than pd-aPCC in 67% (at 7 days) and 72% (at 48 hours) of Monte Carlo simulations. CONCLUSION: Accounting for model uncertainty, rFVIIa provided cost savings over pd-aPCC for the Mexican public health care payer in the management of mild-to-moderate joint bleeds in pediatric hemophilia A with inhibitors.

La preenfermedad: ¿es un aumento de riesgo o una progresión de la enfermedad? / Predisease: an increased risk or progression of the disease?

Es un término que genera confusión posiblemente porque el prefijo PRE es utilizado en español como criterio de temporalidad mientras que en inglés se usa como adjetivo para estudiar una determinada condición o al intentar dicotomizar variables continuas sobre un riesgo que también es continuo. La variación de la términología es debido a los cambios de los puntos de corte a través del tiempo, en función del riesgo. En enero 2004, la Asociación Americana de Diabetes introduce el término prediabetes para darle criterio de severidad al estadio de intolerancia a la glucosa oral y a la glisemia alterada en ayuna. Los pacientes son llamados "prediabéticos" indicando el relativo alto riesgo de desarrollar diabetes. En el año 2003, se publica en la literatura el término prehipertensión: uniendo las categorías normal y normal alta existentes previamente, porque los pacientes en esta categoría tienen dos veces mayor riesgo de progresión a hipertensión que aquellos con valores menores de presión arterial. Esta terminología aún no ha sido aceptada por todas las asociaciones por considerarlas confusa. Las pre-condiciones se denominan así por implicar mayor probabilidad de presentar la condición y un incremento del riesgo. Generan confusión en el médico y el paciente, ya que tienen una clara interpretación epidemiológica más no clínica, por eso la evaluación del paciente debe ser global y no de parámetros aislados.

Predisease is a confounding term, possibly since the pre prefix is used in Spanish as a criteria for temporality while in English is used as adjetive to stage a particular condition or to attempt dichotomizing continuous variables on an equally continuous risk. Variability in terminology is due to changes in cut points thru time, as a function of risk. In January 2204, American Diabetes Association introduced the term prediabetes to assign a severity criterion to the stage of oral glucose intolerance and increased fasting glucose. Patients with this condition are usually called prediabetic, indicating their high relative risk of developing diabetes. In 2003, the term prehypertension appeared for the first time in literature, combinig the former categories of "normal" and "normal-high", since patients in this category have a twofold higher risk of progression to hypertension than those with lower valvules of blood pressure. This terminology has not been widely accepted by all medical associations, since it has been considered as confusing. Pre-conditions have received thant name because they imply a higher probability of having the condition and an increased risk. They generate confusion in both physician and patient, since although they have a clear epidemiological interpretation, they lack a clinical one. Hence, the evaluation of the patient should be global, not following isolated parameters.