Toxicity assessment of common acaricides and mineral oils on Anagyrus vladimiri, an effective biocontrol agent of citrus mealybug.

Chemical pesticides, while playing an important role in the suppression of insect pests, should be used in a manner that minimizes negative effects on natural enemies. The parasitoid, Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), plays an important role in the management of mealybug pests of citrus groves in the Mediterranean region. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of commonly used acaricides (Spirodiclofen, Spirotetramat, Sulfur, Fenpyroximate, Abamectin) and mineral oils (Levanola, EOS, JMS, and Ultrapaz) on acute mortality of A. vladimiri. Toxicity was assessed in 4 cases: (i) direct spray application on adults, (ii) pesticide application on the mummified host, (iii) feeding with contaminated food, and (iv) contact with pesticide residue. The pesticide Abamectin, applied alone and with Levanola oil was highly toxic to adults in all bioassays, with the exception of direct spray application on the mummified host. Fenpyroximate was found to be highly toxic only when sprayed directly on adults, and sulfur was slightly harmful. Mineral oils were harmful when ingested with food; otherwise, they did not cause appreciable adult mortality. The findings of the present study suggest that all tested materials, with the exception of Abamectin and Fenpyroximate, are compatible with the survival of A. vladimiri. Direct ingestion of oils can, however, cause a degree of mortality. Given that indiscriminate use of these pesticides may affect the population ecology of A. vladimiri, they should be used with caution.

Assessment of Egg Yolk Oil Extraction Methods of for ShiZhenKang Oil by Pharmacodynamic Index Evaluation.

To assess the extraction methods of egg yolk oil in ShiZhenKang (SZK) oil, which is used to treat eczema, a mice model of eczema was established by using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The therapeutic effects of egg yolk oil extracted by different methods from SZK oil on the model of acute eczema in mice were evaluated. The oil yield rate of ethanol extraction is 42.06%. Its egg yolk oil is orange and has a rich, sweet, egg smell. Moreover, the SZK oil prepared from it has a very good therapeutic effect on the model of acute eczema in mice. The alcohol extraction method is the preferable method according to a comprehensive evaluation of each index of seven kinds of methods to extract the egg yolk oil.

The effects of diacylglycerol oil on fat oxidation and energy expenditure in humans and animals.

Studies in animals and humans indicate that diets containing diacylglycerol (DAG) oil (containing >80% DAG) decrease body weight gain and body fat accumulation, especially visceral fat. Body weight and body fat are controlled by energy expenditure, fat oxidation, fat storage capacity, and appetite control. Recent researches indicate that DAG oil, compared with conventional oils, has distinct metabolic effects. We review the evidence concerning the effects of DAG oil intake on fat oxidation and energy expenditure. In humans, dietary DAG is more susceptible to oxidation, and in animals 1,3-DAG, a major component of DAG oil, is rapidly oxidized. Short-term human studies with indirect calorimetry demonstrate greater fat oxidation with DAG oil consumption compared with triacylglycerol (TAG) oil consumption. Furthermore, DAG oil consumption for 14 days stimulates energy expenditure. Based on these reports, enhanced fat oxidation and energy expenditure by daily DAG oil intake could contribute to long-term reductions in body weight and fat accumulation. The literature provides support for the notion that dietary DAG is more rapidly oxidized than dietary TAG, and that, compared with TAG oil, DAG oil consumption increases whole body fat oxidation. The effects of DAG oil consumption on energy expenditure, however, remain inconclusive. (c) 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.