Sexual Behavior of the Sugarcane Hairy Borer, Hyponeuma taltula (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): Evidence for a Female-Released Sex Pheromone.

The sugarcane hairy borer, Hyponeuma taltula (Schaus, 1904), attacks the base of sugarcane and causes the death of the apical bud, a symptom known as "dead heart." In recent years, there has been significant infestation in Brazilian sugarcane crops. With the purpose of finding methods for controlling and/or monitoring the pest for the sustainable cultivation of sugarcane, we characterized the mating behavior of H. taltula and confirmed the release of a sex pheromone by this insect. Sexual activity was observed between the second and ninth hour of scotophase, during which female calling caused the onset of male courtship behaviors and increased their frequency. An ethogram was built showing that males perform seven observable steps: (1) wing flapping, (2) walking with wing flapping, (3) flying, (4) flying towards the female, (5) landing near the female and walking around her, (6) attempting copulation, and (7) copulation (mating). Female sex gland extracts also triggered attraction and male courtship behaviors. These results thus confirm that the female abdominal gland produces a sex pheromone and that the presence of this pheromone in the air is needed to initiate the male courtship sequence. The sexual behavior of H. taltula is compatible with control and/or monitoring methods using female sex pheromones.

Medición, control y conocimiento de la presión arterial: Iniciativa Mayo Mes de la Medición Colombia 2017 / Measurement, monitoring and knowledge of blood pressure: May Measurement Month, Colombia 2017

Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos de la implementación de la iniciativa Mayo Mes de la Medición 2017 aplicada a población colombiana adulta con el objetivo de crear conciencia sobre la importancia de la medición, conocimiento y control de la presión arterial. Materiales y métodos: Mayo Mes de la Medición es una encuesta transversal que sigue las directrices de la Sociedad Internacional de Hipertensión y la Liga Mundial de Hipertensión, que recoge información de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y mediciones de presión arterial. En Colombia su implementación fue liderada por la Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander (FOSCAL) y la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Hipertensión (LASH) con el apoyo de la Red Colombiana para la Prevención de las Enfermedades Cardiovasculares y Diabetes (RECARDI). Resultados: Se recolectaron datos en 11 departamentos de 21.797 personas, siendo el 58,7% mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 40,5±17,7 años. La prevalencia global de hipertensión arterial (HTA) fue del 20,8% (autorreporte de tratamiento antihipertensivo o toma de presión arterial sistólica [≥140mmHg]). El 46,5% del total de hipertensos tuvieron cifras de presión arterial sistólica que les clasifica como no controlados (presión arterial sistólica<140mmHg) y el 26,4% no conocían su condición de hipertensos, los cuales en el presente reporte son considerados como los casos nuevos de HTA. Conclusión: La prevalencia de presión arterial es alta en esta población adulta joven, en la cual el desconocimiento de la condición de HTA es también alta, y en aquellos que conocen su condición existe un porcentaje bajo de control de la HTA, resultados que demuestran la necesidad de implementar programas eficaces de detección de pacientes hipertensos y de establecer tratamientos estandarizados para mejorar el control de la HTA como una estrategia para la reducción de eventos cardiovasculares

Aim: To describe the findings of implementing May Measurement Month 2017 in the adult Colombian population to raise awareness of the importance of blood pressure measuring, monitoring, and awareness. Materials and methods: May Measurement Month is a cross-sectional survey that follows the directives of the International Society of Hypertension and the World Hypertension League, which gathers information on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure readings. Its implementation in Colombia was lead by the Santander Ophthalmological Foundation (FOSCAL) and the Latin American Society of Hypertension (LASH) with the support of the Colombian Network for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (RECARDI). Results: Data was collected from 11 departments on 21,797 people, 58.7% of whom were female, with an average age of 40.5±17.7 years. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) was 20.8% (self-reported antihypertensive treatment or systolic blood pressure reading [systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg]). Of the total number of hypertensives, 46.5% had systolic blood pressure readings classified as uncontrolled (systolic blood pressure<140mmHg), and 26.4% were unaware that they were hypertensive who, in this report, we consider to be new cases of HBP. Conclusion: The prevalence of (elevated) blood pressure is high in this young adult population, whose lack of awareness of HBP is also high, and HBP in those aware of their condition is poorly controlled. These results highlight the need to implement effective detection programmes for hypertensive patients and to establish standardised treatments to improve HBP control as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular events

[Measurement, monitoring and knowledge of blood pressure: May Measurement Month, Colombia 2017]. / Medición, control y conocimiento de la presión arterial: Iniciativa Mayo Mes de la Medición Colombia 2017.

AIM: To describe the findings of implementing May Measurement Month 2017 in the adult Colombian population to raise awareness of the importance of blood pressure measuring, monitoring, and awareness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: May Measurement Month is a cross-sectional survey that follows the directives of the International Society of Hypertension and the World Hypertension League, which gathers information on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure readings. Its implementation in Colombia was lead by the Santander Ophthalmological Foundation (FOSCAL) and the Latin American Society of Hypertension (LASH) with the support of the Colombian Network for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (RECARDI). RESULTS: Data was collected from 11 departments on 21,797 people, 58.7% of whom were female, with an average age of 40.5±17.7 years. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) was 20.8% (self-reported antihypertensive treatment or systolic blood pressure reading [systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg]). Of the total number of hypertensives, 46.5% had systolic blood pressure readings classified as uncontrolled (systolic blood pressure<140mmHg), and 26.4% were unaware that they were hypertensive who, in this report, we consider to be new cases of HBP. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of (elevated) blood pressure is high in this young adult population, whose lack of awareness of HBP is also high, and HBP in those aware of their condition is poorly controlled. These results highlight the need to implement effective detection programmes for hypertensive patients and to establish standardised treatments to improve HBP control as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular events.

Identification of stable fly attractant compounds in vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane-ethanol distillation.

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), is a worldwide pest of livestock. Recent outbreaks of stable flies in sugarcane fields in Brazil have become a serious problem for livestock producers. Larvae and pupae found inside sugarcane stems after harvesting may indicate that stable flies use these stems as potential oviposition or larval development sites. Field observations suggest that outbreaks of stable flies are associated with the vinasse and filter cake derived from biomass distillation in sugarcane ethanol production that are used as fertilizers in sugarcane fields. Adult stable flies are attracted to vinasse, which appears to present an ideal larval development site. The primary goal of the present study is to demonstrate the role of vinasse in influencing the sensory physiological and behavioural responses of stable flies, and to identify its associated volatile attractant compounds. Both laboratory and field studies showed that vinasse is extremely attractive to adult stable flies. Chemical analyses of volatiles collected revealed a wide range of carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes as potential attractant compounds. These newly identified attractants could be used to develop a tool for the attractant-baited mass trapping of stable flies in order to reduce infestations.

Ma-Pi 2 macrobiotic diet and type 2 diabetes mellitus: pooled analysis of short-term intervention studies.

The macrobiotic, Ma-Pi 2 diet (12% protein, 18% fat and 70% carbohydrate), has shown benefit in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This pooled analysis aims to confirm results from four, 21-day intervention studies with the Ma-Pi 2 diet, carried out in Cuba, China, Ghana and Italy. Baseline and end of study biochemical, body composition and blood pressure data, were compared using multivariate statistical methods and assessment of the Cohen effect size (d). Results showed that all measured indicators demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.001); most of them with a very high (d ≥ 1.30), or high (d = 0.80-1.29) effect size. The global effect size of the diet was Italy (1.96), China (1.79), Cuba (1.38) and Ghana (0.98). The magnitude of the individual effect on each variable by country, and the global effect by country, was independent of the sample size (p > 0.05). Similarly, glycemia and glycemic profiles in all four studies were independent of the sample size (p = 0.237). The Ma-Pi diet 2 significantly reduced glycemia, serum lipids, uremia and cardiovascular risk in adults with T2DM. These results suggest that the Ma-Pi 2 diet could be a valid alternative treatment for patients with T2DM and point to the need for further clinical studies. Mechanisms related to its benefits as a functional diet are discussed.

Distribution of COL8A2 and COL8A1 gene variants in Caucasian primary open angle glaucoma patients with thin central corneal thickness.

PURPOSE: One approach to identify genes that contribute to common complex ocular disorders such as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is to study the genetic determinates of endophenotypes that are defined by underlying pre-disposing heritable quantitative traits such as central corneal thickness (CCT). Collagen VIII is a major component of Descemet's membrane and studies in mice have indicated that targeted inactivation of the genes encoding the collagen type 8 alpha1 (Col8a1) and collagen type 8 alpha2 (Col8a2) subunits (COL8A1 and COL8A2) results in thinning of the corneal stroma and of Descemet's membrane. The purpose of this study is to evaluate COL8A1 and COL8A2 as candidate genes for thin CCT in human POAG patients. METHODS: 100 Caucasian POAG patients were enrolled in this study. The entire COL8A1 and COL8A2 coding sequence was determined in 8 patients with CCT<513 µm (one standard deviation (36 microns) below the mean (550 microns) and 8 patients with CCT>586 µm (one standard deviation above the mean). Selected COL8A2 exons containing variants of interest were sequenced in the full POAG cohort. Association and quantitative trait analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three patients with CCT less than 513 µm and advanced POAG were found to have missense changes in COL8A2; two patients had a previously identified mutation, R155Q and one had a novel change, P678L (p=0.0035, Fisher's exact test). Missense changes were not found in any of the patients with CCT>513 µm and missense changes in the COL8A1 gene were not found in any patient. One common COL8A2 SNP, rs274754 was also statistically associated with CCT (p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we have identified COL8A2 missense changes in a group of Caucasian patients with very thin CCT and advanced POAG. These results suggest that DNA sequence variants in the COL8A2 gene may be associated with thin corneas in some glaucoma patients. Further study of COL8A2 variants in other patient populations, especially those with thinner CCT such as African-Americans would provide further support for a role of COL8A2 in corneal thickness and in glaucoma.

Total energy expenditure, resting metabolic rate and physical activity level in free-living rural elderly men and women from Cuba, Chile and México.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess total energy expenditure (TEE), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and physical activity level (PAL), and to estimate energy requirements (ERs) in free-living elderly subjects from Cuba, Chile and Mexico. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study designed to estimate ERs. SETTING: Rural regions of Cuba, Chile and Mexico. SUBJECTS: Forty subjects >60 years old were selected to participate in this study. INTERVENTIONS: A dose of doubly labeled water (DLW) was administered and urine samples were collected in the following 12-14 days. From the isotopic analysis, TEE was derived. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: TEE in Chilean (8.8+/-1.6 MJ/day) and Cuban (8.3+/-1.3 MJ/day) elderly was not different, and was higher for the Mexican group (9.5+/-1.5 MJ/day) (P < 0.0001). RMR was not different between countries. PAL and activity energy expenditure (AEE) were only different between Chile and Mexico (P < 0.002). For the three regions, overall PALs were 1.70+/-0.16 for male and 1.62+/-0.13 for female subjects (P < 0.02), and AEE was 3.05+/-0.66 and 2.27+/-0.66 MJ/day for male and female subjects, respectively (P < 0.001). Predictive equations (MJ/day) were RMR = 1.6447 + 0.05714 x weight (kg) + 0.449 sex (male = 1; female = 0) (R2 = 0.75; SEE = 0.479) and TEE = 3.414 + 0.0795 x weight (kg) + 1.227 x sex (male = 1; female = 0) (R2 = 0.75; SEE = 0.668). CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in TEE and PAL owing to sex and region. The average PAL in men was higher than the PAL reported either with factorial approach or with the DLW method in elderly. Predictive ER equations based on RMR and TEE gave very similar results to calculations from the 2004 FAO/WHO/UNU report.

[Odontogenic fibromyxoma]. / Fibromixoma odontogénico.

A 3-year-old boy presented a submandibular mass that progressively increased in size. Pathological study confirmed an odontogenic fibromyxoma. This entity is rare in children.

Fibromixoma odontogénico / Odontogenic fibromyxoma

Se describe el caso de un niño de 3 años que presenta una masa submandibular, con aumento progresivo de tamaño. El resultado de la anatomía patológica confirma un fibromixoma de origen odontogénico, entidad rara en la edad pediátrica (AU)

A 3-year-old boy presented a submandibular mass that progressively increased in size. Pathological study confirmed an odontogenic fibromyxoma. This entity is rare in children (AU)

Body composition by hydrometry (deuterium oxide dilution) and bioelectrical impedance in subjects aged >60 y from rural regions of Cuba, Chile and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In Latin American and Caribbean countries such as Chile, Mexico and Cuba, the population over 60 y has increased steadily. In this age group, there is scarce information about body composition, particularly for those living in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine body composition in free-living and healthy elderly subjects >60 y from rural areas of Chile, Cuba and Mexico using deuterium oxide dilution and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and to develop and cross-validate a predictive equation for this group of subjects by BIA for future use as a field technique. SUBJECTS: The study included 133 healthy subjects (73 males and 60 females) >60 y from rural regions of Cuba, Chile and Mexico. MEASUREMENTS: Total body water, body weight, height and other anthropometric and BIA variables (resistance and reactance) were measured. METHODS: Total body water was determined by deuterium oxide dilution, and fat-free mass (FFM)/fat mass were derived from this measurement. The total sample was used in a split-sample internal cross-validation. BIA and other anthropometric variables were integrated to multiple regression model to design the best predictive equation, which was validated in the other sample. ANOVA, multiple regression and Bland and Altman's procedure were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Body weight, percentage of fat and fat-free mass were lower in the Cuban men and women compared with Chilean and Mexican men and women. The best predictive equation of the FFM was: FFM kg=(-7.71+(H(2)/R x 0.49)+(country or ethnicity x 1.12)+(body weight x 0.27)+(sex x 3.49)+(Xc x 0.13)), where H(2) is height(2) (cm); R is resistance (Omega); country: Chile=1, Mexico=2 and Cuba=3; sex: women=0 and men=1; body weight (kg) and Xc is reactance (Omega). R(2) was 0.944 and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 2.08 kg. The mean+/-s.d. of FFM prediction was 44.2+/-9.2 vs 44.6+/-10.1. The results of cross-validation showed no significant difference with the line of identity, showing that the predicted equation was accurate. The intercept (=-0.32) was not significantly different from zero (P=0.89) and the slope (=1.02) not significantly different from 1.0 (P>0.9). The R(2) was 0.86, RMSE=3.86 kg of FFM and the pure error was 3.83. CONCLUSION: The new BIA equation is accurate, precise and showed good agreement. The use of this equation could improve the estimates of body composition for the elderly population for these regions, as well as enhancing the opportunity to conduct studies in the elderly population from Latin America.

[Diverticuli of the female urethra. Diagnosis with transrectal ultrasonography]. / Divertículos de uretra femenina. Diagnóstico por ecografía transrectal.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of diverticula of the female urethra. METHODS/RESULTS: Transrectal ultrasound assessment was performed with a biplanar 5 MHz probe and translabial ultrasound was performed with a 7 MHz linear or 3.5 MHz sectorial transducer in 9 women suspected to have urethral diverticula. Cystourethrography was also performed in three patients. Eleven diverticula were found in these 9 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of diverticula of the female urethra has been reported to range from 0.5-6%. Diagnosis is confirmed by urethroscopy or imaging methods. Transrectal ultrasound is the method of choice in the assessment of urethral diverticulum.

[Intrascrotal lithiasis: an infrequent finding?]. / Litiasis intraescrotal: un hallazgo infrecuente?

OBJECTIVE: To report on 10 additional cases of intrascrotal calculi and briefly review the literature and pathogenesis of this benign lesion. METHODS: 10 patients that had consulted for diverse testicular conditions were evaluated by ultrasound using the 7.5 MHz probe. RESULTS: All patients were found to have a hydrocele of a larger or smaller volume with a mobile hyperechoic focus that produced acoustic shadows. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound finding of intrascrotal calculi is becoming increasingly more frequent. In our view, this is due to the fact that more sonographic studies are currently performed. The possibility to diagnose this condition obviates the need for subsequent explorations or surgery.

Soft-tissue release for spastic hip subluxation in cerebral palsy.

Children with spastic hip subluxation secondary to cerebral palsy were treated with a standard protocol that focused on early detection of the subluxation using physical examination and anteroposterior pelvis radiographs. Using limited hip abduction of < or =30 degrees and subluxation of > or =25% migration percentage as indications, patients had open adductor and iliopsoas lengthenings with immediate postoperative mobilization and no abduction bracing. The protocol was applied to 74 children with a mean age of 4.5 years and had 147 hips surgically addressed. Of these hips initially, 20% were normal (migration percentage <25%), 52% were mildly subluxated (migration percentage 25-39%), 22% were moderately subluxated (migration percentage 40-59%), and 6% were severely subluxated (migration percentage > or =60%). At a final postoperative follow-up of 39 months, 54% of these hips were classified as good (migration percentage <25%), 34% were fair (migration percentage 25-39%), and 12% were poor (migration percentage > or =40%). Of this patient population, 69% were nonambulators and their outcomes were not statistically different from children who could walk. No child developed an abduction contracture or wide-based gait that required treatment. With early detection and applying this treatment algorithm, 80% of children with spastic hip disease should have good or fair outcomes. Longer follow-up will be required to determine how many children will need bony reconstruction to maintain stable and located hips at the conclusion of growth.

[Stress among anesthesiologists in the city of Havana]. / Estudio sobre estrés en los anestesiólogos de la ciudad de La Habana.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not anesthesiologists are more vulnerable to stress, and whether or not they suffer related psychosomatic symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Representative samples of 50 anesthesiologists and 80 other physicians not members of surgical teams in Havana, taken from a stratified randomized sample population. Data on the subjects' vulnerability to stress, anxiety levels and symptoms were collected through psychological testing and questionnaires. RESULTS: Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis, showing that susceptibility to stress was higher among anesthesiologists (64%) than in the control group (40%). Stress levels were also higher among anesthesiologists (60%) than among the controls (43%) and psychosomatic symptoms were highly related. CONCLUSION: Anesthesiologists are subjected to stress that leads to psychosomatic symptoms to a greater extent than are other physicians.

[Nutritional evaluation of the seeds of "ipil-ipil" (Leucaena leucocephala), "casco de vaca" (Bauhinia monandra) and scented carob (Albizia lebbeck)]. / Evaluación nutricional de las semillas de ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), casco de vaca (Bauhinia monandra) y algarrobo de olor (Albizia lebbeck).

Chemical composition, antinutritional factors and biological protein quality of raw and autoclaved (120 degrees C for 10 min) ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), casco de vaca (Bauhinia monandra) ard algarrobo de olor (Albizia lebbeck) seeds were determined. The trypsin inhibitor activity was 29, 120, and 150 TIU/mg of sample respectively. Autoclaving eliminated 59, 33 and 100% of the activity. Bauhinia monandra seed depicted a high hemagglutinating activity which was eliminated by autoclaving. Net protein utilization of raw and autoclaved seeds was 31 and 30, 21 and 55 and 29 and 49%, respectively. All seeds were free from cyanide and alkaloids. It is concluded that the relative low protein quality of the seeds would limit their use for human consumption.

[Conduction disorders after cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation]. / Trastornos de la conducción en el post operatorio de la cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea.

Two-hundred-fifty-eight patients who had cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation were studied to determine the frequency and significance of conduction disturbances. Fifty-eight (34%) developed new postoperative conduction defects. Seventeen patients developed new conduction alterations after coronary artery bypass graft. The most common disturbance was transient bifascicular block (right bundle branch block and anterior subdivision block of the left bundle branch of His) (p less than 0.01). After valvular surgery twenty-one patients developed conduction defects. Of those the most common disturbance was high degree AV block (57%). The authors found no relation between the AV block and the number of valves operated on or type of valvular surgery. After congenital heart surgery, twenty patients developed conduction defects. The most common defect was high degree AV block. The frequency of complete heart block was higher after the closure of atrial septal defects (P less than 0.01). None of the conduction defects were related to the amount of time the patient was exposed to extracorporeal circulation or to postoperative myocardial infarction. All conduction defects were transient except complete heart block in some patients with ventricular septal defect surgery. In this study there were no hemodynamic complications or mortality associated with the conduction disturbances.

[Myxoma of the right ventricle: report of a clinical case and review of the literature]. / Mixoma del ventrículo derecho: informe de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

We studied a seventeen year old female patient with clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism. A Two-Dimensional echocardiography showed the presence of a right intraventricular mass. It was surgically removed and the histopathological study showed it to be a myxoma. The recovery of the patient was uneventful. This is the first case of a right ventricular myxoma diagnosed during life in our hospital. The medical literature describing this unusual location is reviewed.