Influence of shading and pedestrian traffic on the preference of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) for oviposition microenvironments.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are highly adaptable to abiotic stimuli. To evaluate the influence of shading and pedestrian traffic on the preference of Ae. aegypti for oviposition microenvironments, 20 sites were sampled weekly using ovitraps within the perimeter of Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, located in São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. A spatial and statistical analysis was performed in order to assess the relationship between shading time, pedestrian traffic, and the presence of biological forms of Ae. aegypti. A temporal analysis of temperature and precipitation influence on oviposition was also made. Between June, 2013 and June, 2014, 7,362 Ae. aegypti eggs were collected. Over a 12-month period, we made weekly collections of Ae. aegypti eggs from ovitraps. Pedestrian traffic and shading time influenced the number of positive ovitraps; precipitation and temperature were correlated with the number of positive ovitraps (p <0.05). We conclude that the influence of temperature and precipitation was not significant for the oviposition index, and the frequency of oviposition was directly proportional to the number of individuals moving close to the traps during periods of greater shading.

Chemically sulfated galactomannan from Dimorphandra gardneriana seed: characterization and toxicity evaluation.

Dimorphandra gardneriana galactomannan (DG) was sulfated in pyridine:formamide using chlorosulfonic acid as the sulfation agent. The degree of substitution was 0.32, determined from the sulfur percentage. Confirmation of sulfation was obtained by FTIR spectroscopy through the presence of an asymmetrical SO stretching vibration at 1,259 cm(-1). NMR data showed that the sulfation occurred on primary hydroxyl groups. NMR and GPC data indicate degradation during reaction with elimination of galactose. At the maximum tested concentration of 1,000 µg/mL, unmodified DG polysaccharide did not show a statistically significant cytotoxicity in Vero cells by the MTT method. Therefore, the CC50>1,000 µg/mL obtained for the sulfated polysaccharides from D. gardneriana in Vero cells point to its lower cytotoxicity than the sulfated galactomannan from Mimosa scabrella.

A randomised clinical trial of activity-focussed physiotherapy on patients with distal radius fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Physiotherapy is considered by some authorities to be an important aspect of management in patients following distal radius fractures. There is evidence of improvement in impairment with physiotherapy; however, there is no evidence to support early return of functional activity. Traditional physiotherapy management has focussed on improving impairment; however, there are no trials with emphasis on skill acquisition via motor re-learning principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one participants with conservatively managed distal radius fractures were studied in a randomised, single-blinded, prospective trial. Two treatment options were compared: exercise and advice versus activity-focussed physiotherapy with measurement periods of 6 weeks after removal of cast and follow-up at 24 weeks. RESULTS: Participants allocated to the exercise and advice group consulted a physiotherapist an average of 0.9 (SD 0.4) times, while the participants allocated to the more intensive activity-focussed group consulted with physiotherapy a mean of 4.4 (SD 2.3) times. At both 6 and 24 weeks there were no significant differences between the groups for change in impairment (as measured by grip strength, range of motion of wrist flexion and extension and pain intensity), activity limitation and participation restriction, as measured by the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Exercise and advice given by a physiotherapist were equally as effective as activity-focussed physiotherapy in recovery both at 6 and 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that after removal of cast from fracture of distal radius, patients may routinely require no more than a single session of advice and exercise provided by a physiotherapist.