The first report of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in Haiti

Aedes albopictus was found in six of the 10 departments of Haiti and in 14 of the 35 communes surveyed. The survey found the larvae of Ae. albopictus in 13 different types of containers. Used tires and tins were by far the most common breeding sites used by this mosquito species. At the breeding sites, Ae. albopictus was associated with other mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, Culex nigripalpus and Aedes mediovittatus. The highest proportion of association was with Ae. aegypti. This study represents the first report of Ae. albopictus in Haiti.

Behavioural biology of Chagas disease vectors

Many arthropod species have adopted vertebrate blood as their main food source. Blood is rich in nutrients and, except for the presence of parasites, sterile. However, this food source is not freely available, nor is obtaining it devoid of risk. It circulates inside vessels hidden underneath the skin of mobile hosts that are able to defend themselves and even predate the insects that try to feed on them. Thus, the haematophagous lifestyle is associated with major morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations that have accumulated throughout the evolutionary history of the various lineages of blood-sucking arthropods. These adaptations have significant consequences for the evolution of parasites as well as for the epidemiology of vector-transmitted diseases. In this review article, we analyse various aspects of the behaviour of triatomine bugs to illustrate how each behavioural trait represents a particular adaptation to their close association with their hosts, which may easily turn into predators. Our aim is to offer to the reader an up-to-date integrative perspective on the behaviour of Chagas disease vectors and to propose new research avenues to encourage both young and experienced colleagues to explore this aspect of triatomine biology.

Genetic basis of triatomine behavior: lessons from available insect genomes

Triatomines have been important model organisms for behavioural research. Diverse reports about triatomine host search, pheromone communication in the sexual, shelter and alarm contexts, daily cycles of activity, refuge choice and behavioural plasticity have been published in the last two decades. In recent times, a variety of molecular genetics techniques has allowed researchers to investigate elaborate and complex questions about the genetic bases of the physiology of insects. This, together with the current characterisation of the genome sequence of Rhodnius prolixus allows the resurgence of this excellent insect physiology model in the omics era. In the present revision, we suggest that studying the molecular basis of behaviour and sensory ecology in triatomines will promote a deeper understanding of fundamental aspects of insect and, particularly, vector biology. This will allow uncovering unknown features of essential insect physiology questions for a hemimetabolous model organism, promoting more robust comparative studies of insect sensory function and cognition.

Estimation of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) population size and adult male survival in an urban area in Panama

Traditional mosquito control strategies rely heavily on the use of chemical insecticides. However, concerns about the efficiency of traditional control methods, environmental impact and emerging pesticide resistance have highlighted the necessity for developing innovative tools for mosquito control. Some novel strategies, including release of insects carrying a dominant lethal gene (RIDL®), rely on the sustained release of modified male mosquitoes and therefore benefit from a thorough understanding of the biology of the male of the species. In this report we present the results of a mark-release-recapture study aimed at: (i) establishing the survival in the field of laboratory-reared, wild-type male Aedes aegypti and (b) estimating the size of the local adult Ae. aegypti population. The study took place in Panama, a country where recent increases in the incidence and severity of dengue cases have prompted health authorities to evaluate alternative strategies for vector control. Results suggest a life expectancy of 2.3 days for released male mosquitoes (confidence interval: 1.78-2.86). Overall, the male mosquito population was estimated at 58 males/ha (range 12-81 males/ha), which can be extrapolated to an average of 0.64 pupae/person for the study area. The practical implications of these results are discussed.

New insights on the development of fungal vaccines: from immunity to recent challenges

Fungal infections are emerging as a major problem in part due to high mortality associated with systemic infections, especially in the case of immunocompromised patients. With the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome pandemic, the number of immunosuppressed patients has increased and, as a consequence, also the number of invasive fungal infections has increased. Several studies have proposed new strategies for the development of effective fungal vaccines. In addition, better understanding of how the immune system works against fungal pathogens has improved the further development of these new vaccination strategies. As a result, some fungal vaccines have advanced through clinical trials. However, there are still many challenges that prevent the clinical development of fungal vaccines that can efficiently immunise subjects at risk of developing invasive fungal infections. In this review, we will discuss these new vaccination strategies and the challenges that they present. In the future with proper investments, fungal vaccines may soon become a reality.

Vigilância pós-alta e o seu impacto na incidência da infecção do sítio cirúrgico

As infecções do sítio cirúrgico (ISC) por sua elevada incidência e repercussões associadas, representam importante problema dentre as infecções hospitalares. Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar a incidência da ISC de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para obesidade mórbida (COM) e gástrica por outras causas (CGOC), durante a internação e após alta. Foram acompanhados em dois hospitais terciários, de ensino da cidade de São Paulo, entre agosto de 2001 e março de 2002, conforme metodologia NISS, 158 pacientes, sendo 81 submetidos à COM e 77 à CGOC, por um período de 30dias. Notificou-se 64 ISC, 6,3% durante a internação e 34,1% após a alta. Durante a internação, a incidência de ISC foi de 5,0% no grupo COM e de 7,8% no CGOC e com a vigilância pós-alta, estas taxas aumentaram para 55,6% e 24,7%, respectivamente, demonstrando que vigilância pós-alta no pacientes cirúrgico é uma importante ferramenta para obter dados confiáveis e redirecionar as políticas de prevenção e controle da ISC.

Evaluación funcional en ancianos intervenidos de fractura de cadera

Estudio observacional prospectivo en pacientes mayores de 65 años intervenidos de fractura de cadera. El objetivo fue conocer la evolución funcional de los pacientes a los tres meses del alta hospitalaria, identificar variables relacionadas con dicha recuperación funcional, describir la mortalidad e institucionalización asociadas al proceso. Se analizaron variables demográficas como edad, sexo, convivencia. Otros aspectos registrados fueron: comorbilidad, deterioro cognitivo, capacidad para caminar, nivel de dependencia según índice de Barthel, institucionalización y mortalidad. Se recogió la información al ingreso y a los 3 meses del alta. El 89,6% de la muestra, fueron mujeres, la edad media fue de 83,56 años. El 40% de los pacientes recuperaron la independencia previa registrándose una mortalidad del 16,7% así como una leve progresión hacia la institucionalización. La capacidad funcional y el deterioro cognitivo del paciente, previos a la fractura condicionan su recuperación funcional y dependencias posteriores.

Cómo cuantificar los aspectos cualitativos en escalas de clasificación de resultados NOC para etiquetas psico-socioculturales

El hecho de trabajar necesariamente con escalas Likert en la medición de resultados NOC tiene la ventaja de la unificación, pero acarrea también la dificultad de cómo reducirlo a un número del 1 al 5, especialmente cuando una investigación es cualitativa y que por tanto trabaja con palabras y expresiones, con observaciones y percepciones. ¿Qué quiere exactamente decir un 2 o un 3 en el NOC Creencias sobre la salud? En el artículo se muestran las diferentes propuestas para la operacionalización de conceptos y su transformación en números, pero se advierte que en ellas siempre se termina con un análisis cuantitativo. Se hace una propuesta de utilización de observaciones cualitativas emic/etic para las etiquetas psicosociales y culturales siguiendo los postulados de la etnografía. La investigación en lenguajes enfermeros, básica y aplicada, debe tener cimientos metodológicos correctos y atender los mismos criterios de idoneidad metodológica que cualquier otra investigación.

Stomatal conductance of maize under water and nitrogen deficits

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of drought and nitrogen (N) stresses on stomatal conductance of three maize cultivars grown in the field. The stomatal conductance of Sol da Manhã variety (BRS 4157) and Pioneer 6875 hybrid, under drought and high N, was lower than under drought and low N, which indicates drought tolerance, since these cultivars did not exhibit reduction in grain yield by drought, as observed for Amarelão variety, which flowered under more severe drought. 'Sol da Manhã' exhibited shorter anthesis-silking interval under high N than under low N, an additional indication of tolerance.

Papaya seedlings growth using a low-cost, automatic watering controller

The study assessed growth and physiological parameters of 'Sunrise Golden' and 'Tainung 01' papaya seedlings grown in 280mL plastic tubes and watered using a low-cost automatic irrigation system adjusted to operate at substrate water tension for starting irrigation (STI) of 3.0, 6.0 or 9.0 kPa. The water depths applied by the dripping system and drainage were monitored during germination and seedling growth. Germination, emergence velocity index (EVI), leaf area, plant height, shoot and root dry weight, stomatal conductance, relative water content (RWC) and relative chlorophyll content (RCC) were evaluated. Soil nutrient levels were determined by electrical conductivity (EC). Water use efficiency (WUE) corresponded to the ratio of plant dry mass to depth of water applied. STI settings did not affect papaya germination or EVI. System configuration to 3.0 and 6.0 kPa STI exhibited the highest drainage and lowest EC and RCC, indicating soil nutrient loss and plant nutrient deficiency. Drainage was greater in tubes planted with the 'Tainung 01' variety, which developed smaller root systems and lower stomatal conductance than 'Sunrise Golden' seedlings. The highest values for shoot dry weight and WEU were obtained at 6.0 kPa STI for 'Sunrise Golden' (0.62 g and 0.69 g L-1) and at 9.0 kPa in 'Tainung 01' (0.35 g and 0.82 g L-1). RWC at 9.0 kPa STI was lower than at 3.0 kPa in both varieties. The results indicate that the low-cost technology developed for irrigation automation is promising. Even so, new studies are needed to evaluate low-flow irrigation systems as well as the nutrient and water needs of different papaya varieties.

Correlação clínica e ultra-sonográfica na esclerodermia localizada cutânea

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os aspectos ultra-sonográficos da esclerodermia localizada e relacioná-los com os aspectos clínicos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 23 lesões de esclerodermia localizada em 21 pacientes. Foi utilizado equipamento Logiq 700 com transdutor linear de 6-14 MHz. Foram avaliados, pelo dermatologista, o estágio da doença (inflamatório ou atrófico), e pelo radiologista, a espessura e a ecogenicidade da derme nas regiões afetadas e sãs adjacentes. Foi feito acompanhamento de sete casos após tratamento. RESULTADOS: Todas as lesões apresentaram perda do padrão ultra-sonográfico normal da derme. Os casos de lesão clinicamente atrófica (52,2%; 12/23) corresponderam a redução da espessura e aumento da ecogenicidade da derme e os casos de lesão clinicamente inflamatória (47,8%; 11/23) corresponderam a aumento da espessura e redução da ecogenicidade da derme. Controles pós-tratamento mostraram alterações na espessura da derme. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados ultra-sonográficos nos permitem associar o aumento da espessura e a redução da ecogenicidade da derme com a fase inflamatória da doença, e a redução da espessura e o aumento da ecogenicidade da derme com a fase atrófica da doença. Notamos também que é possível quantificar a espessura da derme e usar essa informação no controle pós-tratamento associada à avaliação clínica.

Tricobezoar gástrico gigante: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Os autores descrevem um caso de massa abdominal epigástrica palpável associada a sintomas dispépticos em uma paciente jovem sem antecedentes patológicos. Estudos por imagem evidenciaram corpo estranho gástrico de "aspecto enovelado". A paciente foi submetida a gastrotomia via laparotomia, com retirada de um tricobezoar de 1.950 gramas.

Utilização de modelagem numérica para o estudo da dispersão de poluentes emitidos pela usina termoelétrica Presidente Médici

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the atmospheric behavior in the dispersion of the pollutants SO2, PM10 and NOx emitted by the President Medici power plant in Candiota, RS. The RAMS atmospheric model was applied and the simulations were conducted from april in 20 to 24, 2004. The concentrations of the pollutants simulated by RAMS were compared with the data measured at the air quality monitoring stations. The results showed significant influence of the emissions generated by the power plant on the concentration of the pollutants.

Cytopathological characterization of Mal de Río Cuarto virus in corn, wheat and barley

The Mal de Río Cuarto disease is caused by Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV) transmitted by Delphacodes kuscheli. Comparative studies were carried out on the cytopathological alterations produced by MRCV in corn (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare), as seen with a transmission electron microscope. Corn plants were infected with viruliferous D. kuscheli collected from the endemic disease area (i.e. Río Cuarto County, Córdoba, Argentina). For the viral transmission to small grain cereal plants, laboratory rared insects were used. In this case, the inoculum source was wheat and barley plants infected with MRCV isolate grown in a greenhouse. Leaf samples with conspicuous symptoms were collected: enations and size reduction in corn; crenatures, swelling veins and dark green color in small grain cereals. Viral infection was corroborated by DAS-ELISA. Viroplasms containing complete and incomplete virus particles and fibrillar material were found in the cytoplasm of infected cells in all species. Mature virions were between 60 and 70 nm diameter. In wheat and barley, viroplasms and dispersed particles were observed only in phloem, while in corn virions were also found in cells of the bundle sheath. Crystalline arrays of particles were detected in corn enation constitutive cells. Tubular inclusions were found only in wheat samples. The three species showed abnormalities in the chloroplasts of affected cells. The results showed that MRCV cytopathology has similarities with other viruses from the genus Fijivirus, family family Reoviridae, but slight differences depending upon the host plant.

Cultivo de alface em solos com hidrogel utilizando irrigação automatizada

RESUMO Visando à otimização do uso da água na produção de alimentos, este artigo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho da TDR e de um acionador automático para irrigação na produção da alface em solos com diferentes doses de um polímero hidrofílico. Em casa de vegetação, foram realizados dois ensaios em vasos de 3 litros cultivados com alface. O primeiro foi realizado na primavera de 2011, utilizando 2 texturas de solo (arenosa e argilosa) e a presença/ausência do hidrogel. O segundo ensaio foi realizado no outono de 2012, utilizando 4 doses de hidrogel (0; 8; 16 e 24 g por vaso) no solo de textura arenosa. Aos 38 (2011) e 44 (2012) dias após o transplantio (DAT) das mudas, foram realizadas as colheitas e a avaliação das plantas cultivadas. O hidrogel não representou uma fonte de erros para o funcionamento da TDR, e o dispositivo acionador automático para irrigação respondeu adequadamente à presença do hidrogel nos solos com diferentes texturas. Em geral, foi verificada maior eficiência do uso da água nas plantas desenvolvidas na presença do hidrogel. As plantas cultivadas em solo com 16 g por vaso de hidrogel destacaram-se em massa seca e fresca da parte aérea.