Laboratory evaluation of the effects of triflumuron on the development of Rhodnius prolixus nymph

Studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the growth regulator, triflumuron (TFM) (Starycide® sc 480 Bayer), for disrupting the development of Rhodnius prolixus fifth-instar nymph by oral, topical or continuous treatment. All treatments were able to induce high levels of mortality, delay development and molt inhibition. Oral treatment induced molt inhibition in all insects that survived at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 5.0 mg/mL of a blood meal. The highest levels of both mortality in 24 h and molt inhibition were always observed after topical treatment. The lowest doses needed to obtain considerable biological effects were always observed after continuous treatment. In this way, the highest levels of mortality within 30 days were detected after continuous treatment, which also induced an extended inter-molting period, a lower number of over-aged nymphs and the highest level of molting in nymphs that survived. Moreover, the effects of TFM on insects were often displayed in a dose response manner. These results indicate that TFM acts as a potent growth inhibitor of R. prolixus nymphs and has the potential to be used in integrated vector control programs against hematophagous triatomine species.

Predictors of local malaria outbreaks: an approach to the development of an early warning system in Colombia

Risk factor surveillance is a complementary tool of morbidity and mortality surveillance that improves the likelihood that public health interventions are implemented in a timely fashion. The aim of this study was to identify population predictors of malaria outbreaks in endemic municipalities of Colombia with the goal of developing an early warning system for malaria outbreaks. We conducted a multiple-group, exploratory, ecological study at the municipal level. Each of the 290 municipalities with endemic malaria that we studied was classified according to the presence or absence of outbreaks. The measurement of variables was based on historic registries and logistic regression was performed to analyse the data. Altitude above sea level [odds ratio (OR) 3.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-9.98], variability in rainfall (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.40-2.44) and the proportion of inhabitants over 45 years of age (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08-0.38) were factors associated with malaria outbreaks in Colombian municipalities. The results suggest that environmental and demographic factors could have a significant ability to predict malaria outbreaks on the municipal level in Colombia. To advance the development of an early warning system, it will be necessary to adjust and standardise the collection of required data and to evaluate the accuracy of the forecast models.

Treatment of an Aedes aegypti colony with the Cry11Aa toxin for 54 generations results in the development of resistance

To study the potential for the emergence of resistance in Aedes aegypti populations, a wild colony was subjected to selective pressure with Cry11Aa, one of four endotoxins that compose the Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis toxin. This bacterium is the base component of the most important biopesticide used in the control of mosquitoes worldwide. After 54 generations of selection, significant resistance levels were observed. At the beginning of the selection experiment, the half lethal concentration was 26.3 ng/mL and had risen to 345.6 ng/mL by generation 54. The highest rate of resistance, 13.1, was detected in the 54th generation. Because digestive proteases play a key role in the processing and activation of B. thuringiensis toxin, we analysed the involvement of insect gut proteases in resistance to the Cry11Aa B. thuringiensis serovar israelensis toxin. The protease activity from larval gut extracts from the Cry11Aa resistant population was lower than that of the B. thuringiensisserovar israelensis susceptible colony. We suggest that differences in protoxin proteolysis could contribute to the resistance of this Ae. aegypti colony.

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.

Process and results of the development of an ICNP® Catalogue for Cancer Pain

This was a methodological study conducted to describe the process and results of the development of an International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) Catalogue for Cancer Pain. According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), this catalogue contains a subset of nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions to document the implementation of the nursing process in cancer patients. This catalogue was developed in several steps according to the guidelines recommended by the ICN. As a result, 68 statements on nursing diagnoses/outcomes were obtained, which were classified according to the theoretical model for nursing care related to cancer pain into physical (28), psychological (29), and sociocultural and spiritual (11) aspects. A total of 116 corresponding nursing interventions were obtained. The proposed ICNP® Catalogue for Cancer Pain aims to provide safe and systematic orientation to nurses who work in this field, thus improving the quality of patient care and facilitating the performance of the nursing process.

Methodological approach for the development of terminology subsets ICNP®: an integrative review

Objective To analyze the methodological aspects used for the preparation of terminology subsets of the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®), in dissertations and theses in the Brazilian nursing. Method This is an integrative review of the Brazilian dissertations and theses defended in the period from 2007 to 2013, which were included seven dissertations. Results The increasing production of studies on the theme by Brazilian nurses shows a concern for a unified language for the profession. However, the results demonstrate the lack of uniformity in the conduct of studies, especially in relation to the stages of content validation. The initiatives of some authors to systematize alternative methods for creating these subsets also stood out. Conclusion We suggest the development of new terminology subsets, following standards of methodological rigor, as well as its application and validation by the selected clientele, to ensure greater reliability of results and desired changes for the profession.

Bioactivity of the latex from Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) on the development of Rhodnius nasutus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) under laboratory conditions

Bioactivity of the latex from Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) on the development of Rhodnius nasutus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) under laboratory conditions. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of the methanolic fraction of the latex from Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) (PALAM) on individuals of the species Rhodnius nasutus Stål (Hemiptera, Triatominae). Many of the insects treated with the substance presented deformities and these may interfere in the feeding and possibly hinder the reproductive capacity. They also presented significant mortality during the molt when compared to the control group, noting a gradual increase in mortality. The treated insects also presented delayed nymphal development (5th instar) and higher adult longevity.

Working in a digital world: new leadership practices for the development of a digital library workforce

Digital library developments are part of a global move in many sectors of society toward virtual work and electronic services made possible by the advances in information technology. This environment requires new attitudes and skills in the workforce and therefore leaders who understand the global changes underlying the new information economy and how to lead and develop such a workforce. This article explores ways to develop human resources and stimulate creativity to capitalize on the immense potential of digital libraries to educate and empower social change. There is a shortage of technically skilled workers and even more so of innovators. Retention and recruitment is one of the greatest obstacles to developing digital library services and information products.

Análisis de citación y de redes sociales para el estudio del uso de revistas en centros de investigación: an approach to the development of collections

Se presenta en este trabajo una aproximación metodológica al estudio de uso de revistas por parte de investigadores. Integrando la técnica de Análisis de Citaciones (AC) y de Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS) se elaboran mapas bibliométricos que aportan capacidad de síntesis de información compleja. Se estima que su utilización en la evaluación de colecciones aportaría información valiosa para la distribución equitativa de los recursos económicos destinados a la compra de títulos, y para la optimización de su disponibilidad y acceso.

Impact of increasing mean air temperature on the development of rice and red rice

The objective of this study was to assess the development response of cultivated rice and red rice to different increases in minimum and maximum daily air temperatures, in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. One hundred years climate scenarios of temperatures 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, and +5ºC, with symmetric and asymmetric increases in minimum and maximum daily air temperatures were created, using the LARS-WG Weather Generator, and a 1969-2003 database. Nine cultivated rice genotypes (IRGA 421, IRGA 416, IRGA 417, IRGA 420, BRS 7 TAIM, BR-IRGA 409, EPAGRI 109, EEA 406 and a hybrid), and two red rice biotypes (awned black hull-ABHRR, and awned yellow hull-AYHRR) were used. The dates of panicle differentiation (R1), anthesis (R4), and all grains with brown hulls (R9) were estimated with a nonlinear simulation model. Overall, the duration of the emergence-R1 phase decreased, whereas the duration of the R1-R4 and R4-R9 phases most often increased, as temperature increased in the climate change scenarios. The simulated rice development response to elevated temperature was not the same, when the increase in minimum and maximum temperature was symmetric or asymmetric.

Medicinal chemistry in the development of societies. Biodiversity and natural products

This document here has been elaborated by the IUPAC Medicinal Chemistry section and is backed by a large number of scientists, many of whom have had direct involvement and whose names appear at the end of the article. This work discusses the role that the discovery of new medicinal agents has in the development of societies as well as in the conservation of biodiversity in terms of the work carried out on natural products. Also included are several recommendations for countries which are presently in search of their own scientific and technological development in medicinal agents. The IUPAC Medicinal Chemistry section would appreciate the collaboration of the scientific societies in every country to aid in the diffusion of this document.

Studies on the development of spectrophotometric method for the determination of haloperidol in pharmaceutical preparations

A spectrophotometric method based on the formation of ion-pair complex between haloperidol and eriochrome black T (EBT) at pH 1.85 has been described. The formed complex was extracted quantitatively into chloroform and measured at 510 nm. Infra red (IR) studies were performed to confirm the formation of ion-pair complex. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2.0-9.0 µg mL-1 with molar absorptivity of 2.67 × 10(4) L mol-1 cm-1. The detection limit was found to be 0.18 µg mL-1. Statistical comparison of the results of the proposed method with those of the reference method shows excellent agreement and indicates no significant difference in accuracy and precision.

Effect of temperature, wetness duration and cultivar on the development of anthracnose in guava fruits

The development of a large number of postharvest diseases is closely associated with fruit ripeness. Environmental conditions may affect both the pathogen development and the fruit ripening rate. The aim of this study was to determine the most favorable temperature and wetness duration to the development of anthracnose in guava fruits. Cultivars 'Kumagai' (white pulp) and 'Pedro Sato' (red pulp) were inoculated with a conidial suspension of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. acutatum and incubated at constant temperature ranging from 10 to 35ºC and wetness duration of 6 and 24 hours. Disease severity and incidence were evaluated at every two days during 12 days. No infection occurred at 10 and 35ºC, regardless of the wetness duration. The optimum conditions for fruit infection were 26 and 27ºC for 'Kumagai' and 25 and 26ºC for 'Pedro Sato', adopting 24 hours of wetness. In general, the disease development in 'Kumagai' cultivar was more affected by the wetness period, compared to 'Pedro Sato'. Disease severity for 'Kumagai' fruits was maximal between 25 and 30ºC , depending on the Colletotrichum species. Regarding 'Pedro Sato', the mean diameter of lesions was greater in fruits stored at 20, 25 and 30ºC , compared to 'Kumagai' cultivar, depending on the wetness period and the species. The incubation period (between 6 and 7 days) and the latent period (between 8 and 10 days) were minimal at 30ºC. The data generated in this study will be useful either for the development of a disease warning system or for the increase in the shelf life of guavas in the postharvest.

The influence of the season of the year and of dilution on the development of swine manure and wood shaves co-composting

The objective of this research was to study the influence of factors related to the proper management of pig manure (lower dilution) and the season of the year in the progress of the co-composting of pig manure with wood shavings and in the final quality of the compost resulting from the treatments. In the first experiment, two types of swine manure were used: a diluted one (2% Dry Matter - DM), typical from the management usually used in Brazil, and a more concentrated one (6% DM). The manures were incorporated into the wood shavings (6L:1kg) over the course of four weeks. The development of composting was accompanied by monitoring of temperatures inside the piles and the emission of CO2 and CH4 gases during 65 days, including the period of incorporation. The results showed that the diluted manure does not provide the minimum conditions for starting the process. After the incorporation period, any biomass heating was observed and neither the aerobic or anaerobic respiration of the microorganisms, resulting in a compost with low quality. In the second experiment, which evaluated composting in winter and summer during 85 days, it was found that the heat exchange with the environment influences the temperature generated within the piles. The lower temperatures significantly reduced the methanogenesis on the biomass.