ABSTRACT
The effect of relative humidity (43 percent, 75 percent, 86 percent and > 98 percent) on Aedes aegypti eggs treated with Metarhizium anisopliae or water only was tested for up to a six months exposure at 25ºC. Survival of larvae inside eggs was clearly affected by the lowest humidity (43 percent) tested, and eclosion diminished at all humidities after increasing periods of exposure. M. anisopliae showed to have a strong ovicidal activity only at humidity close to saturation. No difference of activity was found between conidia and hyphal bodies tested. This fungus affected larvae inside eggs and has potential as a control agent of this important vector in breeding sites with high moisture.
Subject(s)
Animals , Aedes/microbiology , Humidity , Hypocreales/physiology , Insect Vectors/microbiology , Larva/microbiology , Ovum/microbiology , Pest Control, Biological , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Endemic cretinism is the most striking consequence of iodine deficiency. Although cretinism is a serious condition, it usually involves only about 5% of the population even in serious endemic areas. There is a spectrum between cretinism and normality, many are able to perform simple work and look apparently normal, but it is difficult for them to perform skilled labor. Studies in China using the IQ distribution curve revealed that every person in an endemic area lost about 10-15 IQ points, so that the socio-economic development of the community was severely affected.