Using energy budget data to assess the most damaging life-stage of an agricultural pest Mocis latipes (Guenèe, 1982) (Lepidoptera--Noctuidae).

There is much evidence to support that Mocis latipes larvae (Guenèe, 1852) are the most dangerous pasture pest and usually cause large environmental losses. However, no studies have been carried out to identify the instars during which this moth causes the most damage to the environment. Here we calculate M. latipes larval energy budget to assess its consumption across all instars and estimate the consumption/amount of plant biomass required to complete its larval development. Assimilation, respiration, consumption, excretion, gross growth efficiency and net growth efficiency were calculated. Pearson correlations were used to identify the best predictors that influenced larval growth and weight. Across all instars consumption increased exponentially, especially during the last phase. M. latipes larvae consumed ca 13.8% of total food from the first to the fifth instar, whereas during the sixth instars these larvae consumed ca 72.6%. Results also show that the best gross growth and net growth efficiency were obtained when larvae reached the fifth instar. The results also show that one larva of Mocis latipes consumes 1.02 g (dry weight) of Paspalum maritimum (Trin) in 19 days. Overall, our results indentified the sixth instar as the most destructive instar of this insect. Thus, once we know the most destructive instars of this pest, measures can be taken to disable M. latipes larval development and consequently stop their increase in plant consumption, reducing ecological and economic damage. This knowledge may eventually lead to reduced agricultural damage and contribute to sustainable farming strategies.

Using energy budget data to assess the most damaging life-stage of an agricultural pest Mocis latipes (Guenèe, 1982) (Lepidoptera - Noctuidae) / Utilizando o balanço energético de Mocis latipes (Guenèe, 1982) (Lepidoptera - Noctuidae) para identificar o estágio do ciclo de vida mais perigoso de uma praga de pastos

There is much evidence to support that Mocis latipes larvae (Guenèe, 1852) are the most dangerous pasture pest and usually cause large environmental losses. However, no studies have been carried out to identify the instars during which this moth causes the most damage to the environment. Here we calculate M. latipes larval energy budget to assess its consumption across all instars and estimate the consumption/amount of plant biomass required to complete its larval development. Assimilation, respiration, consumption, excretion, gross growth efficiency and net growth efficiency were calculated. Pearson correlations were used to identify the best predictors that influenced larval growth and weight. Across all instars consumption increased exponentially, especially during the last phase. M. latipes larvae consumed ca 13.8 percent of total food from the first to the fifth instar, whereas during the sixth instars these larvae consumed ca 72.6 percent. Results also show that the best gross growth and net growth efficiency were obtained when larvae reached the fifth instar. The results also show that one larva of Mocis latipes consumes 1.02 g (dry weight) of Paspalum maritimum (Trin) in 19 days. Overall, our results indentified the sixth instar as the most destructive instar of this insect. Thus, once we know the most destructive instars of this pest, measures can be taken to disable M. latipes larval development and consequently stop their increase in plant consumption, reducing ecological and economic damage. This knowledge may eventually lead to reduced agricultural damage and contribute to sustainable farming strategies.

Inúmeras evidências indicam a larva de Mocis latipes (Guenèe, 1852) como uma das pragas de pastagem mais perigosas e que comumente causam grandes perdas ambientais. Entretanto, nenhum estudo foi feito para identificar qual a fase de desenvolvimento em que o dano ao ambiente é maior. Neste trabalho, nós calculamos o balanço energético larval de M. latipes para descobrir o consumo em cada instar e estimar o consumo requerido para completar o desenvolvimento larval. A assimilação, respiração, excreção, consumo e os coeficientes, bruto e líquido, do crescimento foram calculados. Correlações de Pearson foram usadas para identificar os preditores que mais influenciavam o crescimento da larva. Resultados indicaram que o consumo aumentou exponencialmente durante os instares, especialmente durante o último instar. Larvas de M. latipes consumiram aproximadamente 13,8 por cento do recurso alimentar total entre o primeiro e o quinto instar, enquanto que no sexto instar consumiram 72,6 por cento. Os resultados também indicaram que o consumo bruto e o consumo líquido foram maiores nos últimos instares. Também se verificou que apenas uma larva consumiu 1,02 g de Paspalum maritimum (Poaceae) em 19 dias. Em resumo, nossos resultados identificaram o sexto instar como o mais destrutivo. Uma vez que se conheça o instar mais destrutivo, medidas mais eficazes podem ser tomadas para inibir o desenvolvimento larval de M. Latipes e o crescimento significativo do seu consumo e, consequentemente, reduzir danos ao ambiente. Este conhecimento pode, eventualmente, contribuir para reduzir danos à agricultura e contribuir para seu desenvolvimento sustentável.

Prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection in hospitalized patients with tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: Reports have suggested that human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may influence immunological response and therefore the clinical course of tuberculosis (TB) in co-infected individuals. We wished to determine the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection among hospitalized patients in Salvador, Brazil, a region endemic for both HTLV-1 infection and latent TB infection. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a pulmonary disease hospital between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007. Study participants were interviewed and tested for HTLV-1 infection and current or past episode of TB. RESULTS: Of 607 participants recruited into the study, 360 (59.3%) had a current or past history of TB and 50 (8.2%) had HTLV-1 infection; 39 (6.4%) had both. After controlling for confounding variables, we found that the odds of patients with a positive HTLV-1 test having TB were 2.6 times the odds in those who tested negative for HTLV-1 infection (95%CI 1.2-5.4). CONCLUSION: In a region endemic for both TB and HTLV-1 infection, HTLV-1 infection increases the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Such a risk may influence TB transmission and the epidemiology of the disease in this community.

Do climate variables and human density affect Achatina fulica (Bowditch) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) shell length, total weight and condition factor?

The length-weight relationship and condition factor have been broadly investigated in snails to obtain the index of physical condition of populations and evaluate habitat quality. Herein, our goal was to describe the best predictors that explain Achatina fulica biometrical parameters and well being in a recently introduced population. From November 2001 to November 2002, monthly snail samples were collected in Lauro de Freitas City, Bahia, Brazil. Shell length and total weight were measured in the laboratory and the potential curve and condition factor were calculated. Five environmental variables were considered: temperature range, mean temperature, humidity, precipitation and human density. Multiple regressions were used to generate models including multiple predictors, via model selection approach, and then ranked with AIC criteria. Partial regressions were used to obtain the separated coefficients of determination of climate and human density models. A total of 1.460 individuals were collected, presenting a shell length range between 4.8 to 102.5 mm (mean: 42.18 mm). The relationship between total length and total weight revealed that Achatina fulica presented a negative allometric growth. Simple regression indicated that humidity has a significant influence on A. fulica total length and weight. Temperature range was the main variable that influenced the condition factor. Multiple regressions showed that climatic and human variables explain a small proportion of the variance in shell length and total weight, but may explain up to 55.7% of the condition factor variance. Consequently, we believe that the well being and biometric parameters of A. fulica can be influenced by climatic and human density factors.

Do climate variables and human density affect Achatina fulica (Bowditch) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) shell length, total weight and condition factor? / Variáveis ambientais e humanas afetam o comprimento da concha, peso total e fator de condição de Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)?

The length-weight relationship and condition factor have been broadly investigated in snails to obtain the index of physical condition of populations and evaluate habitat quality. Herein, our goal was to describe the best predictors that explain Achatina fulica biometrical parameters and well being in a recently introduced population. From November 2001 to November 2002, monthly snail samples were collected in Lauro de Freitas City, Bahia, Brazil. Shell length and total weight were measured in the laboratory and the potential curve and condition factor were calculated. Five environmental variables were considered: temperature range, mean temperature, humidity, precipitation and human density. Multiple regressions were used to generate models including multiple predictors, via model selection approach, and then ranked with AIC criteria. Partial regressions were used to obtain the separated coefficients of determination of climate and human density models. A total of 1.460 individuals were collected, presenting a shell length range between 4.8 to 102.5 mm (mean: 42.18 mm). The relationship between total length and total weight revealed that Achatina fulica presented a negative allometric growth. Simple regression indicated that humidity has a significant influence on A. fulica total length and weight. Temperature range was the main variable that influenced the condition factor. Multiple regressions showed that climatic and human variables explain a small proportion of the variance in shell length and total weight, but may explain up to 55.7 percent of the condition factor variance. Consequently, we believe that the well being and biometric parameters of A. fulica can be influenced by climatic and human density factors.

A relação peso comprimento e o fator de condição têm sido bastante explorados em pesquisas envolvendo caracóis para obter o índice de condição física em populações e avaliar a condição do habitat. Neste trabalho, nosso objetivo foi descrever que variáveis influenciam os parâmteros biométricos e o bem estar de Achatina fulica em uma recente introdução. De novembro de 2001 a novembro de 2002, amostras mensais desses caracóis foram coletadas na cidade de Lauro de Freitas (Bahia), Brasil. Em seguida, os caracóis foram acondicionados em laboratório e foram obtidos o tamanho da concha e o seu peso. A partir desses dados a curva potencial e o fator de condição foram calculados. Cinco variáveis ambientais foram consideradas: amplitude de temperatura, temperatura média, humidade, precipitação e densidade humana. Regressões múltiplas foram usadas para gerar modelos preditivos através do critério de seleção e logo foram ordenados utilizando o critério de Akaíke. Regressões parciais foram usadas para obter os coeficientes de determinação do clima e fatores humanos. Um total de 1460 indivíduos foram coletados, apresentando uma amplitude de crescimento de concha entre 4,9 a 102,5 mm (média 42,18 mm). A relação entre o crescimento total e o peso revelou que A. fulica apresentou um crescimento alométrico negativo. Regressões simples indicaram que a umidade teve uma influencia significativa sobre o tamanho total e o peso. A amplitude de temperatura foi a variável que mais influenciou o fator de condição. Os modelos de regressão múltipla indicaram que os fatores climáticos e humanos explicaram uma pequena porção da variança, no entanto explicou 55,8 por cento da variância do fator de condição. Consequentemente, acreditamos que o bem estar e os parâmetros biométricos de A. Fulica podem ser influenciados por fatores climáticos e humanos.

Distribution, feeding behavior and control strategies of the exotic land snail Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in the northeast of Brazil / Ecologia do caracol exótico Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) no nordeste do Brasil

The goal of this study was to document the distribution and establishment A. fulica such as their feeding preference and behavior in situ. The study was carried out at the city of Lauro de Freitas, Bahia state, Brazil, between November 2001 and November 2002. We used catch per unit effort methods to determine abundance, distribution, habitat choice and food preferences. The abundance and distribution of A. fulica was most representative in urban area, mainly near to the coastline. Lots and house gardens were the most preferred sites during active hours. The results indicated that A. fulica started their activity at the end of the evening and stopped in mid-morning. Their preferred food were vascular plants such as Hibiscus syriacus, Ricinus communis, Carica papaya, Galinsonga coccinea, Lippia alba, Ixora coccinea, Musa parasidisiaca, Mentha spicata and Cymbopogon citrates. Our results indicate that A. fulica are well adapted and established in this city and modified environments facilitate their establishment and dispersion. However, human perturbation, such as clearance of lots could be limiting for the persistence of A. fulica populations.

O objetivo deste estudo foi documentar a distribuição e o estabelecimento de Achatina fulica, assim como sua preferência alimentar e aspectos comportamentais in situ. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida na cidade de Lauro de Freitas, Estado da Bahia, Brasil, durante os meses de novembro de 2001 a novembro de 2002. Usamos o método de esforço de captura determinado por homem/hora para calcular a abundância e distribuição, habitats preferidos, além de preferência alimentar. Vimos que a abundância e distribuição de A. fulica foram mais representativas em áreas urbanas, sobretudo cerca da linha de costa. Os terrenos e jardins de casas foram os locais preferidos pelos caracóis quando estavam em atividade. Os resultados indicaram que os caracóis A. fulica iniciam sua atividade no final da tarde e hibernam no meio da manhã. A comida preferida destes caracóis foram plantas vasculares como Hibiscus syriacus, Ricinus Communis, Carica papaya, Galinsonga coccinea, Lippia alba, Ixora coccinea, Musa parasidisiaca, Mentha spicata and Cymbopogon citrates. Nossos dados sugerem que o A. fulica está plenamente adaptado e estabelecido nesta cidade e, também, que ambientes modificados facilitam seu estabelecimento e dispersão. Entretanto, a perturbação humana, como a limpeza de terrenos pode ser um fator limitante para a persistência da população de A. fulica.

Distribution, feeding behavior and control strategies of the exotic land snail Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in the northeast of Brazil.

The goal of this study was to document the distribution and establishment A. fulica such as their feeding preference and behavior in situ. The study was carried out at the city of Lauro de Freitas, Bahia state, Brazil, between November 2001 and November 2002. We used catch per unit effort methods to determine abundance, distribution, habitat choice and food preferences. The abundance and distribution of A. fulica was most representative in urban area, mainly near to the coastline. Lots and house gardens were the most preferred sites during active hours. The results indicated that A. fulica started their activity at the end of the evening and stopped in mid-morning. Their preferred food were vascular plants such as Hibiscus syriacus, Ricinus communis, Carica papaya, Galinsonga coccinea, Lippia alba, Ixora coccinea, Musa parasidisiaca, Mentha spicata and Cymbopogon citrates. Our results indicate that A. fulica are well adapted and established in this city and modified environments facilitate their establishment and dispersion. However, human perturbation, such as clearance of lots could be limiting for the persistence of A. fulica populations.

[Deaths caused by venomous snakes in the State of São Paulo: evaluation of 43 cases from 1988 to 1993]. / Obitos por serpentes peçonhentas no Estado de São Paulo: avaliação de 43 casos, 1988/93.

UNLABELLED: The prognostic factors and the causes for obit occurrence in ophidian envenoming are yet not completely clear. PURPOSE: To determine the prognostic factors and the most probable causes for obit occurrence in ophidian envenoming. METHODS: In the State of São Paulo were notified 12,639 cases of accidents by venomous snakes from 1988 to 1993. There were 43 deaths (0.34%). The variables from the accident notification reports were compared with the promptuary notes and/or with the death records (in lethal cases). RESULTS: The snake genus was classified in 11,297 accidents and in 41 from the lethal ones. Bothrops was responsible for 9,828 (87%) accidents and 28 (68.3%) deaths, Crotalus for 1,359 (12.0%) accidents and 13 deaths (31.7%) and Micrurus for 110 (1%) accidents and no death (p < 0.05). The information regarding to sex and age of the patients was available, respectively, in 12,620 and 12,527 accidents and in all lethal ones. There were 9,783 (77.5%) male patients in the accidents and 35 (81.4%) in the lethal cases (p > 0.05). Regarding to age, 15.9% of the patients and 41.8% of the ones who died were 50 years-old or more (p < 0.05). The most frequently bitten anatomic regions were: foot (42.2%), hand (20.6%), leg (17.6%), and ankle (13.1%) in the accidents, and foot (35.7%) and leg (35.7%) in the lethal cases (p < 0.05). Coagulation disorders occurred in 34 (91.9%) from 37 patients who died (those where this datum was available). The information above was not available in non lethal cases. The most common manifestations and complications implicated as possible death causes were: acute renal failure (34-79.1%), acute respiratory failure (28-65.1%), shock (18-41.9%), and sepsis (18-41.9%). Among all lethal cases but one without information, 29.4% of the patients died within the first two days after bite and 67.6% within the first 5 days. Acute respiratory failure was most common among the patients who died owing to crotalic envenoming, and sepsis was only seen in bothropic envenoming. CONCLUSION: Most of the accidents and obits are caused by Bothrops; Crotalus envenoming, leg bites, and accidents in 50 year-old patients (or more) are frequently lethal; the most common complication in lethal cases is acute renal failure.

Obitos por serpentes peçonhentas no Estado de Säo Paulo: avaliaçäo de 43 casos, 1988/93 / Obits by venomous snakes in the State of Säo Paulo: evaluation of 43 cases from 1988 to 1993

Sao ainda mal estabelecidos os fatores prognósticos para a ocorrência de óbito nos envenenamentos por serpentes e as causas que o determinam. Objetivo. Determinar, no envenenamento ofídico, os fatores prognósticos e as causas mais prováveis do óbito. Métodos. No período de 1988 a 1993 foram notificados 12.639 casos de acidentes por serpentes peçonhentas no Estado de Sao Paulo, com 43 óbitos (0,34 por cento). Foram comparadas as variáveis obtidas das fichas de notificaçao dos acidentes com aquelas dos prontuários e/ou dos relatórios médicos dos casos de óbito. Resultados. O diagnóstico quanto ao gênero da serpente foi realizado em 11.297 acidentes, sendo 9.828 (87 por cento) por Bothrops, 1.359 (12 por cento) por Crotalus e 110 (1 por cento) por Micrurus, e em 41 casos de óbito, sendo 28 (68,3 por cento) por Bothrops e 13 (31,7 por cento) por Crotalus (p<0,05). Informaçao quanto a sexo e idade dos pacientes foi fornecida em, respectivamente, 12.620 e 12.527 acidentes. Pertenciam ao sexo masculino 9.783 (77,5 por cento) pacientes picados e 35 (81,4 por cento) que faleceram (p>0,05). Tinham 50 anos ou mais 15,9 por cento dos pacientes picados e 41,8 por cento daqueles que faleceram (p<0,05). As regioes anatômicas mais freqüentemente picadas foram: pé (42,2 por cento), maos (20,6 por cento), perna (17,6 por cento) e tornozelo (13,1 por cento), nos acidentes, e pé (35,7 por cento) e perna (35,7 por cento), nos casos de óbito (p<0,05). A alteraçao da coagulaçao ocorreu em 34 (91,9 por cento) de 37 pacientes que evoluíram para o óbito. As manifestaçoes e complicaçoes mais referidas como possíveis causas de óbito foram: insuficiência renal (34-79,1 por cento), insuficiência respiratória (28- 65,1 por cento), choque (18- 41,9 por cento) e septicemia (18- 41,9 por cento). Dentre os pacientes que evoluíram para óbito, excluindo-se um caso sem informaçao, 29,4 por cento faleceram dentro dos primeiros dois dias após a picada. A insuficiência respiratória foi mais comum entre os que faleceram devido ao envenenamento crotálico e a septicemia só foi referida para o envenenamento botrópico. Conclusao. A maioria dos acidentes e dos óbitos é causada por Bothrops; sao mais freqüentemente letais os envenenamentos por Crotalus, as picadas na perna e em pessoas com mais de 50 anos; a complicaçao mais comum nos casos fatais é a insuficiência renal.

Evolution of scorpionism by Tityus bahiensis (Perty) and Tityus serrulatus Lutz and Mello and geographical distribution of the two species in the state of Säo Paulo - Brazil

Two scorpion species of medical importance occur in the state of Säo Paulo the native brown scorpion Tityus bahiensis (Perty) and the highly toxic yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus Lutz and Mello, which was brought into the state. The study of accident data of patients admitted to the Vital Brazil Hospital of the Butantan Institute from 1982 to 1993 revealed a gradual increase in stings by T. serrulatus in contrast to those by T. bahiensis which a variation from 5.2 per cent to 29.7 per cent. Also, an inventory of the scorpions sent to the Laboratory of Venomous Arthropods of the Butantan Institute over the same period showed an expressive growth in the number of T. serrulatus specimens in contrast to that of T. bahiensis. These data suggest a significative proliferation of T. serrulatus in the state of Säo Paulo over the past 12 years, and a probable interspecific competition between T. serrulatus and the endemic T. bahiensis. The analysis of scorpion accidents reported to the state of Säo Paulo Health Department (Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Säo Paulo) corroborated the higher severity of T.serrulatus envenoming. The results pointed to the possibility of an increase in severe envenoming and deaths by scorpion stings in the state of Säo Paulo. Aiming to contribute to scorpion prevention and control programs, the present geographical distribution of both dangerous species was mapped, pointing to the areas of higher risk of scorpionism in the state.