A Comparison of Precision and Safety using Three Recognized Ultrasound-Guided Approaches to Cervical Medial Branch Blocks: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) guidance is widely used for needle positioning for cervical medial branch blocks (CMBB) and radiofrequency ablation, however, limited research is available comparing different approaches. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the accuracy and safety of 3 different US-guided approaches for CMBB. STUDY DESIGN: A cadaveric study divided into ultrasound-guided needle placement and fluoroscopy evaluation stages. SETTING: Department of Pathology, Forensic, and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University. METHODS: Sonographically guided third occipital nerve (TON), C3, C4, C5 and C6 medial branch injections and radiology evaluations were performed.The 3 approaches compared were:1. ES (published by Eichenberger-Siegenthaler): US probe in the coronal plane to visualize the cervical articular pillars, needle approach out of the plane, from anterior to posterior.2. Fi (published by Finlayson): US probe in the transverse plane to visualize a cervical articular pillar and its lamina, needle approach in the plane, from posterior to anterior.3. FiM (Modified Finlayson approach): Needles are placed as in Fi, but then adjusted with a coronal view of the cervical articular pillars.Fluoroscopy images were taken and later evaluated, for "crude", "high precision" and "dangerous" placement. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-five needle placements were assessed (10 were excluded, as no anterior-posterior fluoroscopy images were saved). Interobserver agreement on position of needle placement between the 5 observers was very high; the Fleiss' Kappa was 0.921. For crude placement, no significant differences were identified between various approaches; (77.6%, 79.5%, and 75.6% for the ES, Fi, and FiM respectively). However, for placement in predefined high-precision zones, ES resulted in significantly more success (ES: 42.9%, Fi: 22.7%, and FiM: 24.4%, P = 0.032). Fi and FiM resulted in no dangerous placements, while ES led to the potential compromise of the exiting nerve root and vertebral artery on three occasions. In 10% of the placements, the levels were identified wrongly, with no difference between the various approaches. LIMITATIONS: Feedback from a live patient, may prevent some existing nerve root injections, unlike in a cadaver. Though a higher number of needles were placed in this study than in most available publications, the number is still low at each individual medial branch level. CONCLUSION: Fi proved safer than ES. Fi was equally successful in targeting the articular pillar, however, ES proved the most successful in placing the needle in the center of the articular pillar. Adding another, (coronal) US view to check needle position in FiM did not improve safety or precision. Identifying CMB levels with the US is challenging with all approaches, therefore we still recommend using fluoroscopy for level identification. While there were pros and cons with either procedure, the efficacy findings of previous papers were not replicated on elderly cadavers with arthritic necks.

Sexual Dimorphism, Diel Activity, and Mating Behavior of Eubulus cf. elongatus: an Emergent Pest Root in Cassava Crops.

Eubulus cf. elongatus Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a Neotropical species recently considered an important pest of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Brazil. This weevil feeds on cassava roots under the soil, which makes detection and control by traditional methods as pesticide quite ineffective. Besides that, no information is available about morphology, sex identification, and behavior. Given its recent category as a pest, its morphology, sex identification, and behavior were previously unknown. Laboratory reared adults of E. cf. elongatus emerged from pupal chambers originated from Embrapa Cerrados (Planaltina, Federal District, Brazil) were used to investigate sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, diel activity, and mating behavior. The visible sexual dimorphism was observed in the hind tibiae of females, which presents a more expansive distal portion than a proximal portion. The sex ratio analysis of E. cf. elongatus evidenced a proportion of males and females, approximately 1:1 in 2018, while 1.5:1, both similar to other species of curculionids. Males and females show predominantly nocturnal activity, including the mating attempts during scotophase. Three distinct phases of mating behavior developed by E. cf. elongatus are described: (i) pre-copulation, (ii) copulation, and (iii) post-copulation. The results obtained in this study provide essential information for developing monitoring and control strategies within an integrated management program for this critical pest species in cassava crops in Brazil.

Description of the puparium of Hermetia teevani Curran (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) reared from roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

The puparium of Hermetia teevani Curran is described, based on 173 specimens reared from cassava roots (Manihot esculenta), in laboratory under controlled conditions until the emergence of the adults. Hermetia teevani is the ninth species with immature stage known for Hermetia, in addition to being recorded for the first time for the Distrito Federal and State of Gois.

Eight Decades of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) in Brazil: What We Know and What We Need to Know.

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) is one of the most important maize (Zea mays L.) pests in Latin America because of its ability to efficiently transmit pathogens [maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and corn stunt spiroplasma-Spiroplasma kunkelli Whitcomb et al. (CSS)] associated with corn stunt disease complex and maize rayado fino virus (MRFV). This leafhopper species, considered a secondary pest until a few years ago, was first reported in Brazil in 1938. Since 2015, corn stunt diseases have been the main phytosanitary threat to corn production in Brazil, and D. maidis has assumed the status of a key pest of the crop. In this study, we gathered pertinent information about the corn leafhopper, from the time it was first recorded in Brazil. Aspects such as origin, association with maize, bioecology, geographical distribution in the Americas, and its congeners are addressed. We present a history of studies performed with this species in the country, its importance as a pest, host plants, and survival strategies during the maize off-season. Based on the available scientific knowledge, the main management strategies for insect vectors and diseases are discussed. Finally, the main knowledge gaps for this insect vector and the prospects for future studies and actions to mitigate the damage caused by insect vectors in maize crops in Brazil are presented and discussed.

Evaluation of key parameters for developing a Metarhizium rileyi-based biopesticide against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize: laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials.

BACKGROUND: The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is known to cause natural infections in some caterpillars. In this multiyear study, we carried out laboratory, greenhouse and three field trials with the aim of developing a sustainable option for control of the fall armyworm (FAW) in maize. Association of M. rileyi with Spodoptera frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) and delivery strategies were also investigated. RESULTS: The selected isolate (CG381) was effective in the laboratory at a low concentration (~ 4 × 103 conidia cm-2 ), killing >95% of FAW larvae within 8 days. In the greenhouse assay, applications of conidia suspended in water or as dry powder in maize whorls (~ 6.3 × 106 conidia per plant) produced similar larval mortalities (88%-96%). In the field trials, conventional spraying of unformulated conidia (0.6 and 1.2 × 1012 conidia ha-1 ) caused low larval mortalities (27-31%). Simultaneous application of either unformulated or oil-based formulations of M. rileyi conidia and S. frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) to plant rows caused larval mortalities comparable with each of the pathogens applied alone. However, when a formulation containing both pathogens was sprayed directly into the whorls, the overall mortality of S. frugiperda larvae due to pathogens (mostly to M. rileyi infections) reached ~ 59%, twofold higher than the other treatments with conventional spraying, whereas in the control, the overall mortality was only 1%. CONCLUSION: Optimizing exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to an inoculum of virulent entomopathogens through directed applications to maize whorls is critical to produce satisfactory mortality levels and is promising for integrated pest management.

First report on the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in populations of the leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Pathogen identifications and their incidence in maize crops.

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is one of the most important pests of maize in Latin America. Here we report, for the first time, the natural occurrence of two fungal species infecting the adult stage of this pest. In 2020, insects killed by a pale bluish green fungus in irrigated maize fields located in Northeast Brazil were found attached to the abaxial surface of leaves. Using morphological characters and multigenic phylogeny, it was identified as Metarhizium brasiliense. In the beginning of 2021, the same pathogen was seen on adults in a maize field in the Central-Western region, alongside an entomophthoralean fungus during an epizootic. The latter pathogen was molecularly identified as a species in the genus Batkoa. The number of Batkoa-infected leafhoppers, displaying the typical swollen abdomen and extended wings, reached an average of 1.88 per maize leaf (86.42% of the sampled adults). The incidence of M. brasiliense was higher in plots in the Northeastern region (0.22 and 0.53 adult per leaf) when compared to the Central-Western region (0.04 adult per leaf). The report of D. maidis adults infected by M. brasiliense in agricultural settings located in different geographic regions and over 550 km apart indicates probable widespread occurrence of this pathogen in Brazil. Moreover, this opens the possibility of more applied biological control studies and, perhaps, the development of new tools to manage D. maidis populations.

Percolaspis cf. ornata (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae): an Emergent Pest in Soybean, Maize, and Cotton Crops in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Percolaspis ornata (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) is known in Brazil as an important pest of cocoa in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo. We recently identified a Chrysomelidae species feeding and causing damage to soybean, corn, and cotton crops in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The species was identified as Percolaspis cf. ornata. Adults feed on young leaves and sprouts and, in many cases, cut the stem of seedlings, causing stand reduction and yield losses. Its attacks have been recorded since 2016 in the central region of Mato Grosso. Because of the importance of the state of Mato Grosso as the main grain producer in the country, it is necessary to monitor crops for the occurrence of this insect in the next harvests and the development of basic and applied studies aimed at defining management strategies for this emerging pest. This is the first record of P. cf. ornata causing damage to soybean, maize, and cotton crops in Brazil.

Seasonality and distribution of Coleoptera families (Arthropoda, Insecta) in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

ABSTRACT Coleoptera order in Brazil presents 105 families with approximately 28,000 species. The life cycle and diversity of Coleoptera are strongly influenced by climate and vegetation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonality and distribution of Coleoptera families in an area of the Cerrado in the Federal District (DF) of Brazil. The insects were collected monthly, between June 2015 and May 2016, using a light trap activated only in nights with a new moon, in an area of cerrado sensu stricto in Planaltina/DF, Brazil. The data were correlated with climatic variables. A total of 21,100 Coleoptera specimens belonging to 34 families were collected, with Melolonthidae (n = 11,075), Carabidae (n = 2,522), Scarabaeidae (n = 2,506), Bostrichidae (n = 1,196), and Chrysomelidae (n = 1,086) being the most abundant. Coleoptera were significantly more abundant in the first half of the rainy season. There was a significant and positive correlation between the abundance of Coleoptera and the climatic variables temperature and precipitation. The data presented in this study are related to an atypical year under the strong influence of the El Niño phenomenon, which may influence the abundance of Coleoptera. Circular analysis revealed that Coleoptera, and the most abundant families, presented seasonality throughout the year with a grouped distribution at the beginning of the rainy season (October to December). This study demonstrates that the richness and abundance of the Coleoptera order, in the Cerrado, is strongly influenced by the characteristic climatic seasons of the biome.

A Species of the Genus Eubulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New and More Destructive Cassava Pest in the Brazilian Cerrado.

In 2009, a new pest of cassava crops was observed in the Federal District (Brazil) and identified as Eubulus (Kirsch) sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The pest is currently distributed in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Paraná. The larvae consume roots, causing the tissue to rot and making it unfit for consumption. The damage can extend to 100% of the roots. Owing to the potential losses that this pest is capable of causing, studies are needed on its biology, ecology, and future management strategies aimed at minimizing the losses, allowing the continuity of cassava cultivation in Brazil. This study reports on the occurrence of the pest in Brazilian Cerrado, its distribution in Brazil, the symptoms of its infestation and estimates the damage caused.

A simple method for forward variable selection and calibration: evaluation for compact and low-cost laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system.

This work presents a new method for forward variable selection and calibration and its evaluation for manganese determination in steel by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A compact and low-cost LIBS instrument was used, based on a microchip laser and a grating mini-spectrometer containing a non-intensified, non-gated, and non-cooled linear sensor array. Sixty steel samples were analyzed, with known manganese concentrations from 0.106 to 1.696 wt%. The spectra (1757 variables between 200 and 850 nm) were acquired under the continuous application of laser pulses at 100 Hz and using 80, 400, and 1000 ms integration times. The new method generated a mathematic combination of the selected variables and the results were calibrated against the manganese content by linear or quadratic regression. The best results were obtained using the spectra from all integration times together, with 31 selected variables and root mean square errors of cross-validation and prediction of 0.015 and 0.033, respectively. Compared to Jack-knife partial least squares regression, the new method presented lower prediction errors and numbers of selected variables, with the advantages of no data pretreatment and a simpler mathematic calculation. Graphical abstract New method for forward variable selection and calibration applied to manganese determination in steel by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Diversity of insects under the effect of Bt maize and insecticides / Diversidade de insetos sob a influência do milho Bt e inseticidas

The genetically modified maize to control some caterpillars has been widely used in Brazil. The effect of Bt maize and insecticides was evaluated on the diversity of insects (species richness and abundance), based on the insect community, functional groups and species. This study was conducted in genetically modified maize MON810, which expresses the Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and conventional maize with and without insecticide sprays (lufenuron and lambda-cyhalothrin) under field conditions in Ponta Grossa (Paraná state, Brazil). Insect samplings were performed by using pitfall trap, water tray trap and yellow sticky card. A total of 253,454 insects were collected, distributed among nine orders, 82 families and 241 species. No differences were observed in the insect community based on the richness, diversity and evenness indices. Predators and pollinators were more abundant in genetically modified maize. Parasitoids, detritivores, sap-sucking herbivores and chewing herbivores were more abundant in conventional maize with insecticide sprays. Significant differences were found for the species Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) and Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker) which were most abundant in Bt maize, and Dalbulus maidis and Condylostylus sp.2 in conventional maize.(AU)

O milho geneticamente modificado visando ao controle de lagartas tem sido amplamente utilizado no Brasil. Em estudo de campo realizado em Ponta Grossa (Paraná, Brasil), compararam-se, com base na diversidade (riqueza de espécies e abundância), os efeitos do milho Bt e do controle químico sobre a comunidade de insetos, grupos funcionais e espécies. A comunidade de insetos foi amostrada no milho geneticamente modificado MON810, que expressa a proteína Cry1Ab de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, e no milho convencional com e sem a aplicação de inseticidas (lufenuron e lambda-cialotrina). As amostragens foram realizadas por meio da coleta de insetos utilizando-se armadilha de queda, bandeja-d'água e cartão adesivo. Foram coletados 253.454 insetos, distribuídos em nove ordens, 82 famílias e 241 espécies. Não foram observadas diferenças na comunidade de insetos para os índices de riqueza, diversidade e equitabilidade nos tratamentos avaliados. Predadores e polinizadores foram mais abundantes no milho geneticamente modificado, e parasitoides, decompositores, sugadores e mastigadores, no milho convencional com inseticida. Diferenças significativas foram detectadas para as espécies Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) e Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker), mais abundantes no milho Bt, e Dalbulus maidis e Condylostylus sp.2, mais abundantes no milho convencional.(AU)

PiN photodiode performance comparison for dosimetry in radiology applications.

Performance comparison of selected photodiodes for usage as radiation detectors for radio-protection is presented. In this study, based on the criteria of minimum sensitive area of 5mm2, minimum half angle 60° and low cost, four commercial photodiodes are selected for evaluation: SFH205, SFH206, BPW34, and BPX90F. Photodiodes are low cost, small volume and lightweight detectors. As an electronic transducer, photodiode detector is an attractive approach for the development of low power portable electronic dosimeter for direct-reading real-time radiation dose measurement. The devices have been studied with respect to sensitivity (efficiency) in X-rays and gamma rays detection, repeatability and linearity in air kerma.

Post-herpetic neuralgia / Neuralgia pós-herpética

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-herpetic neuralgia is defined as pain persisting for more than three months after the resolution of skin eruptions observed in herpes-zoster. Post-herpetic neuralgia incidence is quite variable, increases with age, being more frequent among patients aged over 60, and is associated to reduced quality of life of affected individuals. The objective of this review is to discuss key aspects of post-herpetic neuralgia, particularly its pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. CONTENTS: Post-herpetic neuralgia pathophysiology is poorly understood and involves peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms. Associated clinical signs are variable and represented mainly by pain with neuropathic features and skin changes in dermatomes previously affected by herpes-zoster. Post-herpetic neuralgia prophylactic vaccination seems to be the best preventive option. Diagnosis of post-herpetic neuralgia is largely clinical and treatment involves an early-stage, multimodal approach. Among techniques described in the literature, there is pharmacological treatment which, when not effective, requires the implementation of interventional techniques. CONCLUSION: Post-herpetic neuralgia is a complex entity and should be treated in a multidisciplinary way aiming at improving patients' quality of life.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A neuralgia pós-herpética é conceituada como dor persistente por mais de três meses após a resolução das lesões de pele observadas no herpes-zoster. A incidência de neuralgia pós-herpética é bastante variável e dependente da idade, sendo mais frequente em pacientes acima de 60 anos e associada a redução da qualidade de vida do indivíduo. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir os principais aspectos da neuralgia pós-herpética, atentando para a sua fisiopatologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamento. CONTEÚDO: A fisiopatologia da neuralgia pós-herpética é pobremente compreendida e envolve mecanismos periféricos e centrais. As manifestações clínicas a ela associadas são variáveis e representadas principalmente por dor com característica neuropática e alterações de pele no dermátomo acometido anteriormente pelo herpes-zoster. A vacinação profilática para a neuralgia pós-herpética parece ser a melhor opção para preveni-la. O seu diagnóstico é eminentemente clinico e o seu tratamento envolve a necessidade de uma abordagem precoce e multi-modal. Dentre as técnicas descritas encontram-se o tratamento farmacológico e, quando este não é efetivo, a implementação de técnicas intervencionistas. CONCLUSÃO: A neuralgia pós-herpética é uma entidade complexa que deve ser tratada de forma multidisciplinar com o intuito de aumentar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) no Cerrado brasileiro: estado atual do conhecimento / Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Brazilian Cerrado: current state of knowledge

Besouros pertencentes à superfamília Scarabaeoidea ocupam habitats variados, possuem hábitos alimentares diversificados, desempenham importante papel ecológico e diversas espécies apresentam importância agrícola. No entanto, estudos com esse grupo na região do Cerrado são escassos. Nesta revisão realizou-se um levantamento dos artigos publicados nos últimos 30 anos a respeito dos Scarabaeoidea no Cerrado. Foram recuperados 64 artigos, realizados em nove unidades da federação, que focavam quatro temas principais: espécies praga, aspectos bioecológicos, biodiversidade e importância ecológica, e técnicas e metodologias de coleta de Scarabaeoidea. Os resultados desta revisão indicam que poucos estudos foram realizados com os Scarabaeoidea no Cerrado brasileiro nas últimas décadas frente à importância e diversidade desse grupo de insetos.

Beetles belonging to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea occupy different habitats, present feeding habits diversified, play an important ecological role and several species have agricultural importance. However, studies with this group in the Brazilian Cerrado are scarce. In this review we carried out a survey of scientific articles published in the past 30 years concerning Scarabaeoidea in the Cerrado. Were found 64 studies in nine Brazilian states. The studies focused on four main topics: pest species, bioecology, biodiversity and ecological importance, techniques and methodologies for collecting Scarabaeoidea. The results of this review indicate that few studies have been conducted with Scarabaeoidea in the Cerrado in recent decades compared to the importance and diversity of this group of insects.

Field biology of the beetle Aegopsis bolboceridus in Brazil, with a list of host plants.

The white grub, Aegopsis bolboceridus (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae), is an important vegetable and corn pest in central Brazil. The objective of this study was to examine the biology of A. bolboceridus in the field and to update the list of its host plants. The study was conducted in an area with vegetable crops and corn located in the Federal District of Brazil. Samplings were taken to observe the biological stages of A. bolboceridus, preferred oviposition sites, and the adult swarming period. A. bolboceridus exhibited a univoltine cycle that lasted approximately 12 months from egg to active adults. Its eggs were found from October to November. The larval stage lasted approximately eight months, occurring between October and May. Pre-pupae were observed between April and June, and pupae were found between May and July. Inactive adults were observed in July and August, and the swarming period was between September and October. The females preferred to oviposit in sites with taller plants. Four new plant species were identified as hosts for this pest, and two new locations were recorded for its occurrence. This study is the first to describe the biology of a representative of the tribe Agaocephalini in Brazil.

Seasonality in insect abundance in the "Cerrado" of Goiás State, Brazil

Seasonality in insect abundance in the "Cerrado" of Goiás State, Brazil. Many studies have provided evidence that tropical insects undergo seasonal changes in abundance and that this is partly due to alternation between the dry and rainy seasons. In the Brazilian "Cerrado" (savannah), this season alternation is particularly evident. The purpose of this work was to study the seasonal abundance of insects in a "Cerrado" area in the municipality of Pirenópolis, Goiás State, Brazil. The insects were captured fortnightly using a light trap between September 2005 and August 2006. The insects collected were separated at the order level and counted. Faunistic analysis was performed to select the predominant insect orders, a multiple linear regression to examine the relation between climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) with the abundance of insects and a circular distribution analysis to evaluate the existence of seasonality in the abundance of insect orders. A total of 34,741 insect specimens were captured, belonging to 19 orders. The orders with the greatest number of specimens were Hymenoptera (8,022), Coleoptera (6,680), Diptera (6,394), Lepidoptera (6,223), Isoptera (2,272), Hemiptera (2,240) and Trichoptera (1,967), which represent 97.3 percent of all the specimens collected. All the orders, except for Diptera, Isoptera and Trichoptera, showed a relationship with the climate variables (temperature), and all the orders, except for Diptera, presented a grouped distribution, with greater abundance in the transition from the end of the dry season (September) to the start of the rainy one (October/November). A discussion about seasonality on the abundance of the insects is presented.

Sazonalidade na abundância de insetos no Cerrado de Goiás, Brasil. Alguns estudos fornecem evidências de que os insetos tropicais possuem variação na abundância entre as estações seca e chuvosa. No Cerrado brasileiro, a alternância entre seca e chuva é particularmente evidente. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar se existe variação sazonal na abundância de insetos em uma área de Cerrado em Pirenópolis, Goiás, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas quinzenalmente com armadilha luminosa, entre setembro/2005 e agosto/2006. Os insetos coletados foram separados em nível de ordem e contados. Foi realizada uma análise faunística para selecionar as ordens de insetos predominantes, uma regressão linear múltipla para verificar a relação das variáveis climáticas (temperatura e precipitação) com a abundância de insetos e uma análise circular de distribuição para se avaliar a existência de sazonalidade na abundância das ordens de insetos. Foram coletados 34.741 espécimes de insetos pertencentes a 19 ordens. As ordens com mais espécimes foram Hymenoptera (8.022), Coleoptera (6.680), Diptera (6.394), Lepidoptera (6.223), Isoptera (2.272), Hemiptera (2.240) e Trichoptera (1.967), que somaram 97,3 por cento do total coletado. Todas as ordens, com exceção de Diptera, Isoptera e Trichoptera, apresentaram relação com temperatura, e todas as ordens com exceção de Diptera, apresentaram distribuição agrupada, com maior abundância na transição seca (setembro) e chuva (outubro/novembro). Discussão sobre a sazonalidade na abundância dos Insecta é apresentada.

Síndrome dolorosa miofascial do músculo psoas: complicação do tratamento intervencionista: relato de caso / Psoas muscle miofascial painful syndrome: complication of the interventional treatment: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A infiltração anestésica do músculo psoas para tratamento da síndrome dolorosa miofascial apresenta reconhecida eficácia, tendo como complicações estabelecidas a infecção local e o hematoma. O objetivo do presente estudo foi relatar um caso de síndrome dolorosa miofascial do músculo psoas com complicação decorrente do tratamento intervencionista.RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 49 anos, com queixa de dor lombar e abdominal há cinco anos, com piora há dois anos. Na consulta relatou dor lombar, com irradiação para a região inguinal esquerda, contínua, com intensidade 8 pela escala analógica visual (EAV), apesar do uso de fórmula contendo fluoxetina, meloxicam e amitriptilina. A hipótese diagnóstica foi de síndrome dolorosa miofascial do psoas, sendo realizada infiltração anestésica do músculo, com alívio imediato e completo da dor. Dezoito dias após o procedimento a paciente apresentou dor de intensidade 6 e com história clínica compatível com hematoma subagudo. Trinta e cinco dias após o primeiro exame, a ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) mostrou regressão total da coleção intramuscular, com persistência apenas de tênue área de edema e realce mio-fibrilar. Realizou-se infiltração muscular com toxina botulínica medicamentosa com duloxetina (60 mg/dia), sendo obtida a remissão total do quadro doloroso. CONCLUSÃO: O caso mostrou a eficácia da infiltração do músculo psoas com anestésico local e corticoide como medida terapêutica indicada para relaxamento muscular imediato, com desativação dos pontos-gatilho e consequente alívio da dor, acelerando assim o processo de recuperação e mostrou que o hematoma é uma complicação que pode ser resolvida com tratamento clínico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anesthetic infiltration of the psoas muscle to treat painful myofascial syndrome is recognized as effective and has as established complications local infection and hematoma. This study aimed at reporting a case of psoas muscle painful myofascial syndrome with a complication caused by the interventional treatment.CASE REPORT: Female patient, 49 years old, with lumbar and abdominal pain complaint for five years which has worsened in the last two years. Patient reported lumbar pain, with irradiation to the left inguinal region, continuous, with intensity 8 according to visual analog scale (VAS), in spite of using a formula with fluoxetine, meloxicam and amitriptyline. Diagnostic hypothesis was painful psoas myofascial syndrome. The muscle was infiltrated with anesthetics with immediate and complete pain relief. Eighteen days after the procedure, patient presented pain of intensity 6 and with clinical history compatible with sub-acute hematoma. Thirty-five days after the first exam, MRI has shown total regression of the intramuscular collection with persistence of just a subtle area of edema and myo-fibrillary enhancement. Muscle was infiltrated with botulinic toxin drug with duloxetine (60 mg/day), with total remission of pain. CONCLUSION: This case has shown the efficacy of infiltrating the psoas muscle with local anesthetics and steroid as therapeutic measure indicated for immediate muscle relaxation, with deactivation of trigger-points and consequent pain relief, thus accelerating the recovery process, and has shown that hematoma is a complication which may be solved with clinical treatment

Eficiência de inseticidas em tratamento de sementes de milho no controle da cigarrinha Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) em viveiro telado / Insecticides efficiency in treatment of corn seeds to control leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in greenhouse

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficiência de inseticidas no tratamento de sementes no controle da cigarrinha-do-milho em viveiro telado. Sementes de milho foram tratadas ou não com inseticidas (imidacloprid, thiamethoxan, thiodicarb + zn, thiodicarb, carbofuran, carbofuran + zn e carbosulfan) e semeadas em vasos plásticos. Nas plantas, foram confinadas cigarrinhas sadias e avaliada a eficiência desses inseticidas no controle desse inseto, em diferentes intervalos de tempo e em períodos sucessivos. Os produtos imidacloprid e thiamethoxan foram os mais eficientes no controle da cigarrinha, proporcionando eficiência de controle de adultos de D. maidis igual ou superior a 70 por cento, até o trigésimo dia de avaliação, após 4 a 24h de confinamento das cigarrinhas.

This research was aimed at checking the efficiency of insecticide seed treatment on corn leafhopper control, at greenhouse. Maize seeds were treated with insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxan, thiodicarb + zn, thiodicarb, carbofuran, carbofuran + zn and carbosulfan) and sowed on plastic pots. On those plants healthy leafhoppers were confined, and the efficiency of those insecticides on its control was evaluated, at different intervals of time and in successive periods. The insecticides imidacloprid and thiamethoxan were the most efficient to control the corn leafhoppers, and provided control efficiency of D. maidis adults equal or upper 70 percent until the thirtieth day of evaluation, after 4 to 24h of leafhoppers confining.

First record of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) in soybean plants under no tillage in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) is a mite species of economic and medical-veterinary importance, usually found associated with stored products. Presence of this mite was observed in the stems of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants originated from a under non tillage commercial crop in 2003/2004, in the municipal district of Unaí, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is the first record of T. putrescentiae occurring in soybean plants under field conditions in the world.

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) é uma espécie de ácaro de importância econômica e médico-veterinária, comumente encontrada associada a produtos armazenados. A presença desse ácaro foi constatada no interior de hastes de plantas de soja [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] sob plantio direto provenientes de um plantio comercial no município de Unaí, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, na safra 2003/2004. Este é o primeiro registro de T. putrescentiae em plantas de soja, em condições de campo, no mundo.

Genetic diversity in populations of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from distant localities in Brazil assessed by RAPD-PCR markers.

Populations of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) from the northeastern and central-southern regions of Brazil differ morphologically, suggesting that they could be genetically isolated. Here we used the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to estimate genetic structuring of this leafhopper species among five geographically distant localities across those regions and to estimate gene flow between populations. Ten specimens were sampled per population and genotyped with RAPD markers generated from amplification with nine oligonucleotides. The percentage of polymorphic loci was 78% in relation to the total number of amplified loci, and genetic similarity either between or within populations was higher than 0.72. Cluster analysis grouped specimens from the northeastern population (Mossoró/RN) into a single group, whereas central-southern specimens were not grouped in relation to their places of origin. Overall, the genetic subdivision index (Fst) was low (or= 0.192 and Nm