Antibodies to Aedes aegypti D7L salivary proteins as a new serological tool to estimate human exposure to Aedes mosquitoes.

Introduction: Aedes spp. are the most prolific mosquito vectors in the world. Found on every continent, they can effectively transmit various arboviruses, including the dengue virus which continues to cause outbreaks worldwide and is spreading into previously non-endemic areas. The lack of widely available dengue vaccines accentuates the importance of targeted vector control strategies to reduce the dengue burden. High-throughput tools to estimate human-mosquito contact and evaluate vector control interventions are lacking. We propose a novel serological tool that allows rapid screening of human cohorts for exposure to potentially infectious mosquitoes. Methods: We tested 563 serum samples from a longitudinal pediatric cohort study previously conducted in Cambodia. Children enrolled in the study were dengue-naive at baseline and were followed biannually for dengue incidence for two years. We used Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to identify immunogenic Aedes aegypti salivary proteins and measure total anti-Ae. aegypti IgG. Results: We found a correlation (rs=0.86) between IgG responses against AeD7L1 and AeD7L2 recombinant proteins and those to whole salivary gland homogenate. We observed seasonal fluctuations of AeD7L1+2 IgG responses and no cross-reactivity with Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles dirus mosquitoes. The baseline median AeD7L1+2 IgG responses for young children were higher in those who developed asymptomatic versus symptomatic dengue. Discussion: The IgG response against AeD7L1+2 recombinant proteins is a highly sensitive and Aedes specific marker of human exposure to Aedes bites that can facilitate standardization of future serosurveys and epidemiological studies by its ability to provide a robust estimation of human-mosquito contact in a high-throughput fashion.

Nanoelectrochemistry in electrochemical phase transition reactions.

Electrochemical phase transition is important in a range of processes, including gas generation in fuel cells and electrolyzers, as well as in electrodeposition in battery and metal production. Nucleation is the first step in these phase transition reactions. A deep understanding of the kinetics, and mechanism of the nucleation and the structure of the nuclei and nucleation sites is fundamentally important. In this perspective, theories and methods for studying electrochemical nucleation are briefly reviewed, with an emphasis on nanoelectrochemistry and single-entity electrochemistry approaches. Perspectives on open questions and potential future approaches are also discussed.

Pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa: un reto actual para la laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of our case series on laparoscopic nephrectomy in xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted that included 143 patients treated with laparoscopic nephrectomy for non-functioning kidney, of whom 15 had XGP, within the time frame of 2011 to 2019. The demographic and clinical data were collected, along with the intraoperative results, complications, and days of hospital stay. RESULTS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy was successfully performed on 15 patients with XGP, with no need for conversion. Mean intraoperative time was 124.4 minutes (range 70-240) and intraoperative blood loss was 148.5 ml (range 30-550), with no blood transfusion required. No intraoperative complications occurred but there was one postoperative complication (6.6%), classified as Clavien-Dindo I (surgical wound infection). Mean hospital stay was 2.85 days (range 2-7). CONCLUSIONS: Nephrectomy is the definitive management for XGP, and the laparoscopic approach should be considered a treatment modality, despite the fact that the pathology involves a severe chronic inflammatory process. Its benefits are reduced surgery duration, less blood loss, a lower complication rate, and fewer days of hospital stay, when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.

OBJETIVO: Presentar los resultados de nuestra serie de nefrectomía laparoscópica en pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa (PXG). MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 143 pacientes tratados con nefrectomía laparoscópica por exclusión renal, de los cuales 15 fueron por PXG, en el periodo comprendido de 2011 a 2019. Se recolectaron datos demográficos y clínicos, resultados transoperatorios, complicaciones y días de estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se realizó nefrectomía laparoscópica transperitoneal de forma exitosa en 15 pacientes con PXG, sin necesidad de conversión. El tiempo transoperatorio promedio fue de 124.4 minutos (rango: 70-240). El sangrado transoperatorio fue de 148.5 ml (rango: 30-550), sin requerimiento de transfusión sanguínea. No se reportaron complicaciones transoperatorias; se presentó una complicación en el posoperatorio (6.6%) clasificada como Clavien-Dindo I (infección de la herida quirúrgica). La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 2.85 días (rango: 2-7). CONCLUSIONES: El manejo definitivo de la PXG es la nefrectomía, y el abordaje laparoscópico debe ser considerado como una modalidad de tratamiento a pesar de ser una patología que presenta un proceso inflamatorio grave y crónico, obteniéndose beneficios como disminución en el tiempo quirúrgico, menor sangrado, menor tasa de complicaciones y menos días de estancia hospitalaria cuando es realizado por un cirujano experimentado.

Obtaining of Mg-Zn Co-Doped GaN Powders via Nitridation of the Ga-Mg-Zn Metallic Solution and Their Structural and Optical Properties.

Mg-Zn co-dopedGaN powders via the nitridation of a Ga-Mg-Zn metallic solution at 1000 °C for 2 h in ammonia flow were obtained. XRD patterns for the Mg-Zn co-dopedGaN powders showed a crystal size average of 46.88 nm. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs had an irregular shape, with a ribbon-like structure and a length of 8.63 µm. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed the incorporation of Zn (Lα 1.012 eV) and Mg (Kα 1.253 eV), while XPS measurements showed the elemental contributions of magnesium and zinc as co-dopant elements quantified in 49.31 eV and 1019.49 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence spectrum showed a fundamental emission located at 3.40 eV(364.70 nm), which was related to band-to-band transition, besides a second emission found in a range from 2.80 eV to 2.90 eV (442.85-427.58 nm), which was related to a characteristic of Mg-doped GaN and Zn-doped GaN powders. Furthermore, Raman scattering demonstrated a shoulder at 648.05 cm-1, which could indicate the incorporation of the Mg and Zn co-dopants atoms into the GaN structure. It is expected that one of the main applications of Mg-Zn co-doped GaN powders is in obtaining thin films for SARS-CoV-2 biosensors.

Antibodies to Aedes aegypti D7L salivary proteins as a new serological tool to estimate human exposure to Aedes mosquitoes.

Introduction: Aedes spp. are the most prolific mosquito vectors in the world. Found on every continent, they can effectively transmit various arboviruses, including the dengue virus which continues to cause outbreaks worldwide and is spreading into previously non-endemic areas. The lack of widely available dengue vaccines accentuates the importance of targeted vector control strategies to reduce the dengue burden. High-throughput sensitive tools to estimate human-mosquito contact and evaluate vector control interventions are lacking. We propose a novel serological tool that allows rapid screening of large human cohorts for exposure to potentially infectious mosquitoes and effective targeting of vector control. Methods: We tested 563 serum samples from a longitudinal pediatric cohort study previously conducted in Cambodia. Children enrolled in the study were dengue-naïve at baseline and were followed biannually for dengue incidence for two years. We used Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to identify the most immunogenic Aedes aegypti salivary proteins and measure total anti- Ae. Aegypti IgG. Results: We found a strong correlation (r s =0.86) between the combined IgG responses against AeD7L1 and AeD7L2 recombinant proteins and those to whole salivary gland homogenate. We observed seasonal fluctuations of AeD7L1+2 IgG responses, corresponding to Aedes spp. abundance in the region, and no cross-reactivity with Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles dirus mosquitoes. The baseline median AeD7L1+2 IgG responses for young children were higher in those who developed asymptomatic dengue versus those who developed symptomatic dengue. Conclusion: The IgG response against AeD7L1+2 recombinant proteins is a highly sensitive and Aedes specific marker of human exposure to Aedes bites that can facilitate standardization of future serosurveys and epidemiological studies by its ability to provide a robust estimation of human-mosquito contact in a high-throughput fashion.

Isotherm Theoretical Study of the AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y Quaternary Alloy Using the Regular Solution Approximation for Its Possible Growth via Liquid-Phase Epitaxy at Low Temperatures.

This work presents the theoretical calculation of isotherm diagrams for quaternary alloys of III-V semiconductor compounds with the form IIIxIII1-xVyV1-y. In particular, the isotherm diagrams for the AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y quaternary alloy at low temperatures were calculated (500 °C, 450 °C, 400 °C, and 350 °C). The AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y quaternary alloy was formed from four binary compounds such as GaAs, AlAs, AlSb, and GaSb, all with direct bandgaps. The regular solution approximation was used to find the quaternary isotherm diagrams, represented in four linearly independent equations, which were solved using Parametric Technology Corporation Mathcad 14.0 software for different arsenic and antimony atomic fractions. The results support the possible growth of layers via liquid-phase epitaxy in a range of temperatures from 500 °C to 350 °C, where the crystalline quality could be improved at low temperatures. These semiconductor layers could have applications for optoelectronic devices in photonic communications, thermophotovoltaic systems, and microwave devices with good crystalline quality.

Pupillary Responses for Cognitive Load Measurement to Classify Difficulty Levels in an Educational Video Game: Empirical Study.

BACKGROUND: A learning task recurrently perceived as easy (or hard) may cause poor learning results. Gamer data such as errors, attempts, or time to finish a challenge are widely used to estimate the perceived difficulty level. In other contexts, pupillometry is widely used to measure cognitive load (mental effort); hence, this may describe the perceived task difficulty. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the use of task-evoked pupillary responses to measure the cognitive load measure for describing the difficulty levels in a video game. In addition, it proposes an image filter to better estimate baseline pupil size and to reduce the screen luminescence effect. METHODS: We conducted an experiment that compares the baseline estimated from our filter against that estimated from common approaches. Then, a classifier with different pupil features was used to classify the difficulty of a data set containing information from students playing a video game for practicing math fractions. RESULTS: We observed that the proposed filter better estimates a baseline. Mauchly's test of sphericity indicated that the assumption of sphericity had been violated (χ214=0.05; P=.001); therefore, a Greenhouse-Geisser correction was used (ε=0.47). There was a significant difference in mean pupil diameter change (MPDC) estimated from different baseline images with the scramble filter (F5,78=30.965; P<.001). Moreover, according to the Wilcoxon signed rank test, pupillary response features that better describe the difficulty level were MPDC (z=-2.15; P=.03) and peak dilation (z=-3.58; P<.001). A random forest classifier for easy and hard levels of difficulty showed an accuracy of 75% when the gamer data were used, but the accuracy increased to 87.5% when pupillary measurements were included. CONCLUSIONS: The screen luminescence effect on pupil size is reduced with a scrambled filter on the background video game image. Finally, pupillary response data can improve classifier accuracy for the perceived difficulty of levels in educational video games.

Código azul, histerotomía de reanimación en embarazo de término: reporte de un caso / Blue Code, resuscitative hysterotomy on a term pregnancy: a case report

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: El paro cardiorrespiratorio durante el embarazo es un evento poco común, ocurre en 1 de cada 12,500 a 30,000 gestaciones, con una tasa de supervivencia de 17-59%. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 23 años, con evolución normal del embarazo de 41.2 semanas; acudió a la consulta de Urgencias por actividad uterina irregular. Durante la conducción del trabajo de parto, y después de la analgesia espinal, tuvo un paro cardiorrespiratorio. Se le aplicaron las maniobras de reanimación básicas y monitoreo de la asistolia; a los 4 minutos se le practicaron: histerotomía de reanimación y retorno espontáneo de la circulación. La paciente requirió cuidados inmediatos, con seguimiento y tratamiento en terapia intensiva obstétrica durante 1 mes; fue dada de alta con mínimo daño de las funciones mentales, con restablecimiento íntegro de las mismas a los 3 meses de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Debido a las implicaciones éticas y características de la enfermedad, no existe un modelo experimental para establecer las medidas durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar en el embarazo; por tanto, se implementan con base en la revisión de casos y estudios de la fisiología cardiovascular en esta etapa fisiológica de la vida. El apego y seguimiento de las recomendaciones establecidas se asocian con buen desenlace y pronóstico para la madre y su hijo, como sucedió en el caso aquí reportado.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory arrest during pregnancy is a rare event that occurs in 1 in 12,500 to 30,000 pregnancies, with a survival rate of 17-59%. CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a 23-year-old female patient, late-term pregnancy and labor. During labor conduction and after spinal analgesia, she presented cardiorespiratory arrest. After the start of basic resuscitation maneuvers, monitoring, and confirmed asystole, advanced maneuvers were started, culminating at 4 minutes with resuscitation hysterotomy and a subsequent spontaneous return of circulation. The patient required immediate post-arrest cares with follow-up and management in the intensive obstetric care unit for one month, after which the patient was discharged with minimal compromise of her superior mental functions; after 3 months of out clinic follow-up, the patient was healthy and her superior functions deemed to have been fully restored. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the ethical implications and characteristics of the pathology, there are no experimental models to establish measures during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pregnancy, they are developed based on the review of clinical cases and the study of cardiovascular physiology during pregnancy. In this case report, we conclude that adhering to the established recommendations were associated with a good outcome and prognosis for both mother and child.

Do orthopedic corrections of growing retrognathic hyperdivergent patients produce stable results?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if posterior dental intrusion produces stable orthodontic and orthopedic corrections in growing retrognathic hyperdivergent patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included 14 subjects (five males and nine females), who were 13.4 ± 0.7 years pretreatment, treated for 3.5 years, and followed for 3.6 years posttreatment. During the initial orthopedic phase, 150 g NiTi coil springs were attached to two palatal miniscrew implants (MSIs) for maxillary intrusion; two buccal mandibular MSIs were used for posterior vertical control. Full orthodontic therapy was initiated to correct the malocclusions during the orthodontic phase. Patients were recalled a minimum of 1 year posttreatment (mean 3.6 ±1.6 years). Patients were compared to matched untreated controls. RESULTS: Relative to the untreated controls, during treatment and retention, maxillary and mandibular molars underwent 2.8 mm and 3.7 mm of relative posterior intrusion, respectively. Maxillary incisors were extruded 1.3 mm and the mandibular incisors underwent 2.9 mm of relative intrusion. Overall orthopedic changes included a reduction in the mandibular plane angle (MPA; 3.3°), an increase in SN-Pg (2.4°), an increase in S-N-B (2.1°), and a 4.3 mm relative reduction in anterior facial height. The maxillary incisors, which showed 0.6 mm of intrusion (relative to controls), was the only dental or skeletal measure to show a statistically significant between-group posttreatment difference. CONCLUSIONS: Except for maxillary incisor position, the substantial dental intrusion and associated orthopedic corrections that were produced during treatment remained stable post-treatment.

Hematoma subcapsular hepático en síndrome de HELLP: reporte de dos casos / Hepatic subcapsular hematoma in HELLP syndrome. Report of 2 cases

Resumen OBJETIVO Reportar el tratamiento clínico-quirúrgico y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos obstétricos de dos pacientes con síndrome de HELLP y hematoma subcapsular hepático. CASO CLINICO A Paciente de 29 años en curso de las 36.1 semanas de embarazo, con ausencia de movimientos fetales, choque hipovolémico, desprendimiento prematuro de placenta normoinserta y óbito. Hemoperitoneo de 2000 mL y hematoma subcapsular del lóbulo hepático izquierdo. Se le colocó un empaquetamiento Miculicz durante 48 horas. Permaneció en la unidad de cuidados intensivos durante nueve días. Reporte de tomografía axial computada de hematoma subcapsular hepático. CASO CLINICO B Paciente de 15 años, con embarazo de 38.6 semanas, dolor epigástrico y lumbar, bradicardia fetal y síndrome de HELLP. Hemoperitoneo de 300 cc, feto de 2400 g, Apgar 1-5, desprendimiento de placenta del 100%, hematoma hepático subcapsular contenido por el ligamento triangular sin necesidad de empaquetamiento. Atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos obstétricos durante tres días. Reporte de tomografía axial computada de hematoma hepático subcapsular. CONCLUSIÓN El síndrome de HELLP puede originar complicaciones hepáticas graves, como: rotura hepática o hematoma subcapsular roto o no roto. La mortalidad es de 18 a 86% en caso de rotura del hematoma. Las pacientes deben tratarse en hospitales de tercer nivel. La intervención temprana, la atención multidisciplinaria, el soporte hemodinámico y el seguimiento con estudios de imagen son decisivos para reducir su elevada morbilidad y mortalidad.

Abstract OBJECTIVE Report clinical-surgical management and in the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit of the HELLP Syndrome and hepatic subcapsular hematoma of two clinical cases. CLINICAL CASE A 29 years of age, 36.1 weeks of gestation, absence of fetal movements, hypovolemic shock, premature detachment of normoinserta placenta, stillbirth. Hemoperitoneum finding of 2000 mL and subcapsular hematoma of the left hepatic lobe; Miculicz packaging is placed for 48 hours. Management in the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit for 9 days. Computed Axial Tomography reports hepatic subcapsular hematoma. CLINICAL CASE B 15 years of age, 38.6 weeks of gestation, pain in the hypogastrium and lumbar region, fetal bradycardia and HELLP syndrome; hemoperitoneum finding of 300 cc, product of 2,400 gr, Apgar 1-5, placental abruption of 100%, hepatic subcapsular hematoma contained by triangular ligament without the need for packaging. Management in the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit for 3 days. Computed Axial Tomography reports hepatic subcapsular hematoma. CONCLUSION The HELLP syndrome can present serious hepatic complications such as ruptured hepatic or subcapsular hematoma. Mortality is 18 to 86% in case of hematoma rupture. They require management in highly complex centers. Early intervention, multidisciplinary management, hemodynamic support and follow-up with imaging studies are essential to reduce their high morbidity and mortality.

Letter to the editor regarding "GRAS from the ground up: Review of the Interim Pilot Program for GRAS notification" by.

Present letter is aimed at clarifying some critical points highlighted by Hanlon et al. regarding the common knowledge element of the safety of food enzymes in support of their GRAS designation. Particularly, we outline the development of peer-reviewed, generally recognized safety evaluation methodology for microbial enzymes and its adoption by the enzyme industry, which provides the US FDA with a review framework for enzyme GRAS Notices. This approach may serve as a model to other food ingredient categories for a scientifically sound, rigorous, and transparent application of the GRAS concept.

Nivel de calidad de vida según condición de dependencia del adulto mayor que reside en la ciudad de Chimbote, 2012 / Level of quality of life according to dependency status of older adults living in the city of Chimbote, 2012

El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar si existe relación significativa entre el nivel de calidad de vida y la condición de dependencia del adulto mayor que reside en la ciudad de Chimbote, en el año 2012. El estudio incluyó un tamaño de muestra mínimo de 171 adultos mayores, pero debido a disponibilidad de información se trabajó con 181, donde evaluamos la condición de dependencia y el nivel de calidad de vida, del adulto mayor, así como la relación entre ambas. Los resultados fueron que el 22,1% de adultos mayores tienen calidad de vida muy alta, el 20,4% tienen calidad de vida muy baja, y el 19,9% están en el nivel normal. De otro lado más de la mitad de adultos mayores son independientes en las actividades de la vida diaria, es decir el 56,45% son independientes y un 2,2% tienen dependencia grave. Además se encontró que existe relación altamente significativa entre condición de dependencia y calidad de vida del adulto mayor que reside en la ciudad de Chimbote en el año 2012.

The objective was to determine if there is significant relationship between the level of quality of life and dependency status of older adults living in the city of chimbote, in 2012. The study included a minimum sample size of 171 older adults, but due to availability of information is worked with 181, where we evaluate dependency status and quality of life, the elderly, and the relationship between them. The results were that 22.1% of older adults have very high quality of life, 20.4% had very low quality of life, and 19.9% are in the normal range. On the other hand more than half of older adults are independent in activities of daily living ie 56.45% are independent and 2.2% have severe dependence. It was also found that there is a highly significant relationship between dependency status and quality of life of older aduults living in the city of Chimbote in 2012.

Orthopedic correction of growing hyperdivergent, retrognathic patients with miniscrew implants.

Traditional orthodontic treatments do not adequately address the skeletal problems of retrognathic, hyperdivergent, Class II adolescents; the few approaches that do address them require long-term patient compliance. This article introduces a novel approach using miniscrew implants (MSIs) and growth to treat retrognathic, hyperdivergent adolescents. Nine consecutive patients were evaluated at the start of treatment (aged 13.2 ± 1.1 years) and again at the end of the orthopedic phase (after 1.9 ± 0.3 years). Each patient had 2 MSIs placed in either side of the palate. Coil springs (150 g) extended from the MSIs to a rapid palatal expander, which served as a rigid segment for intruding the maxillary premolar and molars. Two additional MSIs were placed between the first mandibular molars and second premolars; coil spring (150 g) extended from the MSIs to hold or intrude the mandibular molars. Before treatment, the patients exhibited substantial and significant mandibular retrusion (Z score = -1.0), facial convexity (Z score = 0.7), and hyperdivergence (Z score = 1.6). Treatment produced consistent and substantial orthopedic effects. The chin was advanced by a mean of 2.4 mm, the sella-nasion-basion (SNB) angle increased by 2.1°, the mandibular plane angle decreased by 3.9°, and facial convexity decreased by approximately 3.2°. Questionnaires showed that this treatment approach was not painful or uncomfortable; the majority of the patients indicated that they were very likely to recommend the treatment to others. Treatment was accomplished by titrating the amount of orthodontic intrusion performed based on the individual's growth potential.

Histologic evaluation of root response to intrusion in mandibular teeth in beagle dogs.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this article was to histologically evaluate root resorption and repair after orthodontic intrusion with different force magnitudes and fixed anchorage. METHODS: A randomized split-mouth repeated-measure design was used. Intrusive forces were applied for 98 days to the mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of 8 mature beagle dogs. Two miniscrew implants were used as anchorage to apply constant intrusive forces of 50, 100, or 200 g per tooth. Demineralized sections of each tooth were stained and histologically studied for root resorption. Multilevel statistical procedures were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: Root resorption was present in all teeth, independent of the force applied. Significant differences were found between root regions, with the apices and the interradicular regions the most affected and with dentin involvement at the furcation. There was cementum repair in 24.14% of the lacunae. Light constant intrusive forces between 50 and 200 g showed no significant differences in the amount of resorption produced. Resorption was more frequently seen at the level of the apices and the furcation. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontically induced root resorption is not clinically significant after application of continuous intrusive forces between 50 and 200 g. Moreover, there is no relationship between root resorption, the position of posterior mandibular teeth in the arch, and the amount of intrusive force applied.

Rate of soil egestion by larvae of Hylamorpha elegans (Burm.) and Phytoloema hermanni Germ. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Larvae of Hylamorpha elegans (Burm.) and Phytoloema herrmanni Germ. feed on roots, although many Scarabaeidae species are able to feed and survive on soil without living roots. In this study we evaluated the potential of H. elegans and P. herrmanni to ingest soil by estimating the rate of soil egestion. In the laboratory, the rate of soil egestion was determined from gut content and gut transit time of 3rd-instar larvae feeding on soil without roots. The soil egestion rate was 14-21 mg g(-1) d(-1) for H. elegans and 11-16 mg g(-1) d(-1) for P. herrmanni. The gut transit time (time of soil passage from mouth to anus) was 2-3 d for both species and the gut content was 41±2 mg g(-1) for H. elegans and 32±2 mg g(-1) for P. herrmanni. The quantitative importance of feeding activity on soil depends upon the population density of larvae in the field, which ranges from 1 to 25 larvae m(-2), but in severe outbreaks can reach 300 larvae m(-2). High population densities could result in soil egestion rates reaching 20 kg d(-1) ha(-1) for P. herrmanni and 30 kg d(-1) ha(-1) for H. elegans.

Rate of soil egestion by larvae of Hylamorpha elegans (Burm.) and Phytoloema hermanni Germ. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Larvae of Hylamorpha elegans (Burm.) and Phytoloema herrmanni Germ. feed on roots, although many Scarabaeidae species are able to feed and survive on soil without living roots. In this study we evaluated the potential of H. elegans and P. herrmanni to ingest soil by estimating the rate of soil egestion. In the laboratory, the rate of soil egestion was determined from gut content and gut transit time of 3rd-instar larvae feeding on soil without roots. The soil egestion rate was 14-21 mg g-1 d-1 for H. elegans and 11-16 mg g-1 d-1 for P. herrmanni. The gut transit time (time of soil passage from mouth to anus) was 2-3 d for both species and the gut content was 41 ± 2 mg g-1 for H. elegans and 32 ± 2 mg g-1 for P. herrmanni. The quantitative importance of feeding activity on soil depends upon the population density of larvae in the field, which ranges from 1 to 25 larvae m-2, but in severe outbreaks can reach 300 larvae m-2. High population densities could result in soil egestion rates reaching 20 kg d-1 ha-1 for P. herrmanni and 30 kg d-1 ha-1 for H. elegans.

Accuracy and reliability of tooth and root lengths measured on cone-beam computed tomographs.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated the accuracy and reliability of tooth-length and root-length measurements derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) volumetric data. METHODS: CBCT scans were made of 7 fresh porcine heads. The scans were made with an i-CAT machine (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa) at 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm voxel sizes. Two film-acquired periapical radiographs were also taken of selected incisors and premolars, 52 of which (28 premolars, 24 incisors) were included in this study. By using Dolphin imaging software (version 10.5, Dolphin Imaging Systems, Chatsworth, Calif), the CBCT scans were oriented twice for each tooth (ie, 2 trials) using the mesial, distal, labial, and lingual cementoenamel junctions as reference points. Root and tooth lengths were derived from these points and compared with actual measurements of the teeth made with digital calipers after all surrounding bone had been carefully removed. RESULTS: CBCT tooth-length and root-length measurements were not significantly different from the actual lengths; the mean differences were less than 0.3 mm. The periapical measurements significantly (P = 0.001) underestimated root lengths (mean difference, 2.58 mm) and overestimated tooth lengths (mean difference, 2.58 mm; P = 0.056). Mean differences between the 3 CBCT voxel sizes were all less than 0.25 mm. Within-trial method errors were almost 2 times greater for the periapical radiographs than for the CBCT scans. Between-trial method errors were greatest for the 0.4-mm CBCT scans, which were within 0.1 mm of the periapical radiograph method errors. The intraclass correlations for the periapical and CBCT measurements were all above 0.995. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT scans are at least as accurate and reliable as periapical radiographs for tooth-length and root-length determinations.

Evaluación del color y la posición de trampas en la captura de cicadélidos en Gaultheria phillyreifolia (Ericaceae) afectadas por fitoplasmas / Evaluation of trap color and position on the capture of cicadellids in Gaultheria phillyreifolia (Ericaceae) affected by phytoplasmas

Color sticky traps are one of the main alternatives to collect insect vectors, as they are easy to handle and are inexpensive. We aimed to compare the effect of color and height of the traps on the attractiveness to potential cicadellids vectors of plant pathogens. Yellow and green colored stick traps were placed at two different heights in plant of Gaultheria phillyreifolia. Seventeen leafhopper species were identified, with Ribautiana tenerrima Herrich-Shãffer (49 percent), Carelmapu ramosi Linnavuori & DeLong (33 percent), Carelmapu aurionitens Linnavuori (5 percent) and Atanus sp. (6 percent) being the most common. All these species were significantly attracted by yellow sticky traps. Ribautiana tenerrima was the only species affected by the height of the sticky traps. However, this was also dependent on the sampling season. The phytoplasma vector candidate, C. ramosi, showed two population peaks in early and late summer, which may indicate two different generations. Males of this species were more abundant than females on sticky traps, but were both similarly attracted to yellow sticky traps. No differences were detected in the capture efficiency of both sexes at any height of the traps. The high proportion of C. ramosi captured suggests that the yellow sticky traps can be an important element for monitoring this species.

Las trampas pegajosas de colores son una de las principales alternativas en la captura de insectos vectores, debido a su bajo costo y su fácil implementación. El objetivo fue comparar las preferencias a los colores y la altura de colocación de trampas para los posibles cicadélidos vectores de fitopatógenos. Trampas pegajosas amarillas y verdes fueron colocadas en plantas de Gaultheria phillyreifolia a dos distintas alturas. Se diferenciaron 17 especies de cicadélidos, siendo Ribautiana tenerrima Herrich-Shãffer (49 por ciento), Carelmapu ramosi Linnavuori & DeLong, Carelmapu aureonitens Linnavuori (33 y 5 por ciento), Atanus sp. (6 por ciento) las especies más comunes. Todas estas especies se vieron significativamente atraídas por trampas de color amarillo. Ribautiana tenerrima fue la única especie afectada por la altura de las trampas pegajosas, aunque este efecto fue influenciado por la temporada de colecta. La especie candidato a vector, C. ramosi, presentó dos curvas de crecimiento al inicio y finales del verano, lo cual puede representar la emergencia de dos generaciones distintas. Machos de esta especie fueron más abundantes que las hembras en las trampas pegajosas, pero ambos con una similar preferencia hacia el color amarillo. Además, no se detectaron diferencias en la posición de las trampas en la captura de ambos sexos. La alta proporción capturada de C. ramosi, sugiere que trampas de color amarillo pueden ser um elemento importante en el monitoreo de esta especie.