Performance of Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), a Generalist Parasitoid of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), at Low Temperature.

Survival and parasitism activity of Trichopria drosophilae Perkins adults, a cosmopolitan parasitoid of Drosophila spp., were studied under laboratory conditions using five constant temperatures at the lower range known for this enemy, from 4 to 20°C in 4°C increments. Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, an invasive pest of small fruits, was used as a host. Commercially available adult parasitoids were provided with 1) food and D. suzukii pupae; 2) food and no D. suzukii pupae; 3) no food and no pupae. The results show that adult females of T. drosophilae lived longer than males, and both generally benefitted from food supply. The highest level of survival was observed between 8 and 12°C for fed insects, irrespective of whether they were offered host pupae or not. The absence of food led to the highest mortality, but the parasitoid demonstrated considerably resistance to prolonged starvation. Successful parasitism increased steadily with temperature and reached the highest value at 20°C. Conversely, D. suzukii emergence rate was high after exposure of pupae to parasitoids at 4°C, while pupal mortality increased strongly with temperature until 12°C. The findings indicate that T. drosophilae is well adapted to the relatively cold conditions experienced in early spring and in autumn or at high elevations, when the host pupae could be largely available. The long lifespan of the adults and the ability to parasitize the host at low temperature make T. drosophilae potentially useful for the biocontrol of D. suzukii.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis. A report of four cases.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis is uncommon. Herein, we report four cases, all presenting a similar clinical profile: diagnosed through bronchoscopy and having a history of being treated unsuccessfully for bronchospasm. Three of the patients were treated with dilatation and an oral corticosteroid. One of those three underwent tracheoplasty. In the remaining patient, the stenosis was more extensive (2 cm, with a 70% reduction in the size of the lumen), and dilatation was not an option. Therefore, that patient underwent laryngotracheal resection. In all four patients, the evolution was favorable. Idiopathic tracheal stenosis should be contemplated in cases of bronchitis that are not resolved using conventional treatments. Bronchoscopy and dilatation have provided satisfactory results. Occasionally, laryngotracheal reconstruction is necessary.

Estenose idiopática de traquéia: relato de quatro casos / Idiopathic tracheal stenosis: a report of four cases

A estenose idiopática de traquéia é incomum. Relatam-se quatro casos com quadro clínico semelhante: história de tratamento de broncoespasmo sem resultado e diagnóstico por broncoscopia. O tratamento em três pacientes foi dilatação e corticóide sistêmico; em um realizou-se traqueoplastia. No quarto, a estenose era mais extensa (2 cm) com redução da luz de 70 por cento, sem possibilidade de dilatação. Realizou-se ressecção laringo-traqueal. Todos apresentaram boa evolução. A estenose idiopática de traquéia deve ser cogitada em casos de "bronquite" mal resolvida com tratamentos convencionais. A broncoscopia e a dilatação têm apresentado bons resultados. Eventualmente, torna-se necessária ressecção laringo-traqueal.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis is uncommon. Herein, we report four cases, all presenting a similar clinical profile: diagnosed through bronchoscopy and having a history of being treated unsuccessfully for bronchospasm. Three of the patients were treated with dilatation and an oral corticosteroid. One of those three underwent tracheoplasty. In the remaining patient, the stenosis was more extensive (2 cm, with a 70 percent reduction in the size of the lumen), and dilatation was not an option. Therefore, that patient underwent laryngotracheal resection. In all four patients, the evolution was favorable. Idiopathic tracheal stenosis should be contemplated in cases of æbronchitisÆ that are not resolved using conventional treatments. Bronchoscopy and dilatation have provided satisfactory results. Occasionally, laryngotracheal reconstruction is necessary.