A MaxEnt Model of Citrus Black Fly Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) under Different Climate Change Scenarios.

The citrus blackfly (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, is an exotic pest native to Southeast Asia that has spread rapidly to the world's main centers of citrus production, having been recently introduced to Brazil. In this study, a maximum entropy niche model (MaxEnt) was used to predict the potential worldwide distribution of CBF under current and future climate change scenarios for 2030 and 2050. These future scenarios came from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), SSP1-2.6, and SSP5-8.5. The MaxEnt model predicted the potential distribution of CBF with area under receiver operator curve (AUC) values of 0.953 and 0.930 in the initial and final models, respectively. The average temperature of the coldest quarter months, precipitation of the rainiest month, isothermality, and precipitation of the driest month were the strongest predictors of CBF distribution, with contributions of 36.7%, 14.7%, 13.2%, and 10.2%, respectively. The model based on the current time conditions predicted that suitable areas for the potential occurrence of CBF, including countries such as Brazil, China, the European Union, the USA, Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco, are located in tropical and subtropical regions. Models from SSP1-2.6 (2030 and 2050) and SSP5-8.5 (2030) predicted that suitable habitats for CBF are increasing dramatically worldwide under future climate change scenarios, particularly in areas located in the southern US, southern Europe, North Africa, South China, and part of Australia. On the other hand, the SSP5-8.5 model of 2050 indicated a great retraction of the areas suitable for CBF located in the tropical region, with an emphasis on countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and India. In general, the CMIP6 models predicted greater risks of invasion and dissemination of CBF until 2030 and 2050 in the southern regions of the USA, European Union, and China, which are some of the world's largest orange producers. Knowledge of the current situation and future propagation paths of the pest serve as tools to improve the strategic government policies employed in CBF's regulation, commercialization, inspection, combat, and phytosanitary management.

Production of Escovopsis conidia and the potential use of this parasitic fungus as a biological control agent of leaf-cutting ant fungus gardens.

This study was carried out to investigate the use of different substrates for the production of Escovopsis conidia and verify the virulence of four different isolates cultured on four types of substrates using a novel bioassay. Escovopsis isolates were molecularly identified, based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) nucleotide sequences. To evaluate conidial production, suspensions (1 × 106 conidia mL-1) of each Escovopsis isolate were inoculated onto four substrates (parboiled rice, white rice, rolled oats, and corn grits). After 14 days, conidial yields were assessed. The virulence of each isolate cultured on the four substrates was tested against Leucoagaricus fungus garden fragments, by directly applying 500 µL of each conidial suspension (1 × 107 conidia mL-1), and the development of the parasite was monitored daily until it completely colonized the fungus garden. It was observed that rolled oats were the best substrate for conidial production, with a yield of 1.7 × 107 to 2.0 × 108 conidia mL-1. Furthermore, isolate AT-01 produced the highest number of conidia when compared with the other isolates. Regardless of the substrate used to produce AT-01 conidia, this isolate completely colonized the fungus garden 6 days post inoculation (dpi), followed by AT-02, AC-01, and AC-2. High levels of both conidial production and virulence against the leaf-cutting ant fungus garden were observed here.

The stingless bee Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is at risk from a range of insecticides via direct ingestion and trophallactic exchanges.

BACKGROUND: The stingless bee, Trigona spinipes, is an important pollinator of numerous native and cultivated plants. Trigona spinipes populations can be negatively impacted by insecticides commonly used for pest control in crops. However, this species has been neglected in toxicological studies. Here we observed the effects of seven insecticides on the survival of bees that had fed directly on insecticide-contaminated food sources or received insecticides via trophallactic exchanges between nestmates. The effects of insecticides on flight behavior were also determined for the compounds considered to be of low toxicity. RESULTS: Imidacloprid, spinosad and malathion were categorized as highly toxic to T. spinipes, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin, methomyl and chlorfenapyr were of medium to low toxicity and interfered with two aspects of flight behavior evaluated here. Chlorantraniliprole was the only insecticide tested here that had no significant effect on T. spinipes survival, although it did interfere with one aspect of flight capacity. A single bee that had ingested malathion, spinosad or imidacloprid, could contaminate three, four and nineteen other bees, respectively via trophallaxis, resulting in the death of the recipients. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the ecotoxicology of a range of insecticides that not only negatively affected T. spinipes survival, but also interfered with flight capacity, a very important aspect of pollination behavior. The toxicity of the insecticides was observed following direct ingestion and also via trophallactic exchanges between nestmates, highlighting the possibility of lethal effects of these insecticides spreading throughout the colony, reducing the survival of non-foraging individuals. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae Blastospores to Control Aedes aegypti Larvae in the Field.

Entomopathogenic fungi are promising as an environmentally benign alternative to chemical pesticides for mosquito control. The current study investigated the virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores against Aedes aegypti under both laboratory and field conditions. Virulence bioassays of conidia and blastospores were conducted in the laboratory, while field simulation bioassays were conducted under two conditions: totally shaded (TS) or partially shaded (PS). In the first bioassay (zero h), the larvae were added to the cups shortly after the preparation of the blastospores, and in the subsequent assays, larvae were added to the cups 3, 6, 9, and 12 days later. The survival of the larvae exposed to blastospores in the laboratory was zero on day two, as was the case for the larvae exposed to conidia on the sixth day. Under TS conditions, zero survival was seen on the third day of the bioassay. Under PS conditions, low survival rates were recorded on day 7. For the persistence bioassay under PS conditions, low survival rates were also observed. Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores were more virulent to Ae. aegypti larvae than conidia in the laboratory. Blastospores remained virulent under field simulation conditions. However, virulence rapidly declined from the third day of field bioassays. Formulating blastospores in vegetable oil could protect these propagules when applied under adverse conditions. This is the first time that blastospores have been tested against mosquito larvae under simulated field conditions, and the current study could be the basis for the development of a new biological control agent.

Mapping Brazilian Expansion Risk Levels of Mango Weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae Fabricius) Based on MaxEnt.

The mango weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) (Curculionidae), pest present in Brazil and is restricted to some municipalities in the Rio de Janeiro State. This curculionid attacks the mango crop exclusively and puts mango production globally at risk, especially those destined for export. Using ecological modeling tools, this study is the first to map the potential risk of S. mangiferae in Brazil. We aimed to identify the potential distribution of this pest in Brazilian states, drawing up thematic maps of regions that present suitable and unsuitable climatic conditions for the establishment of the pest using the MaxEnt ecological niche model. The average annual temperature, the annual precipitation, the average daytime temperature range, and the annual temperature range were the variables that contributed most to the selected model. The MaxEnt model predicted highly suitable areas for S. mangiferae throughout the Brazilian coast, especially on the northeast coast. The region responsible for more than 50% of mango production in Brazil, the São Francisco Valley, was classified by the model with suitability for the pest; it can impacts exportations due to the imposition of phytosanitary barriers. This information can be used in strategies to prevent the introduction and establishment of this pest in new areas and monitor programs in areas with recent occurrence. In addition, the model results can be used in future research plans on S. mangiferae in worldwide modeling studies and climate change scenarios.

Conceptual model of a semi-arid coastal aquifer using hydrogeochemical seasonal variation and isotopic fingerprints in Tamoios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The present study focuses on the Tamoios aquifer (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil), which is under pressure due to receiving a significant volume of urban runoff and sewage. The objective was based on a number of hydrogeochemical and isotope data to assess the aquifer functioning and establishing a conceptual model to evaluate the hydrogeochemical processes. The database consisted of groundwater samples (n = 20) and surface water samples (fluvial, lagoon, and seawater) (n = 4), analyzed for major and trace constituents plus 18O and 2H isotopes. Results demonstrate that most of the groundwater samples were classified as sodium-chloride type in the rainy season and magnesium-chloride type in the dry season. Ion ratios indicated the ion sources and chemical behavior. Groundwater remained with a relatively high salt content throughout the seasons, particularly in the samples from the southern portion of the aquifer. PHREEQC software simulations exposed dolomite and calcite in mostly undersaturated condition and halite subsaturated throughout the year. Hydrogeochemical behavior indicated the salt content in the groundwater was not related to a hypothetical saltwater intrusion and revealed a steady state condition for the groundwater interface. Groundwater samples have a similar isotopic signature and were likely influenced by evaporative effects, indicating a role for the existing ponds in aquifer recharge. Strong free surface evaporation effects, evapotranspiration, and drainage processes in the floodplains probably enhanced the high ionic concentration in the groundwater environment.

Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens.

The maintenance of the symbiosis between leaf-cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus Singer (Moller) is vital for the survival of both species. The specialist fungal parasite Escovopsis weberi Muchovej & Della Lucia is a threat to this symbiosis, causing severe damage to the fungal garden. Mycelial pellets are resistant fungal structures that can be produced under laboratory conditions. These structures were studied for use in biological pest control, but the production of mycelial pellets has not previously been documented in Escovopsis. One of the aims of this study was to induce Escovopsis weberi to produce mycelial pellets and investigate the potential of these pellets for the control of leaf-cutting ants. We compared the pathogenicity of Escovopsis weberi mycelial pellets and conidia against mini-colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel when applied in the form of baits. Worker ants were able to distinguish mycelial pellets from conidia, as baits with mycelial pellets were more attractive to workers than those with conidia, causing a greater negative impact on colony health. All types of baits containing Escovopsis weberi influenced the foraging activity but only treatments with viable fungal propagules resulted in an increase in the quantity of waste material, with a significant negative impact on the fungal garden biomass. The results provided novel information regarding Escovopsis recognition by worker ants and differences between conidia and mycelial pellet dynamics in leaf-cutting ant colonies, with new perspectives for the biological control of these important pests.

Host Size Preference of the Leafcutter Ant Parasitoid Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai (Diptera: Phoridae).

Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai Brown (Diptera: Phoridae) is a natural enemy of Atta sexdens Linnaeus and Atta laevigata Smith and is considered a promising candidate for the biological control of these ants. The aim of this study was to verify if E. tonhascai has a preference for specific sizes of A. sexdens foragers and whether this parasitoid demonstrated host species preference when comparing parasitism of A. sexdens and A. laevigata. Worker ants were classified into four different size groups and introduced into an attack arena with one E. tonhascai female. To verify host species preference, both A. sexdens and A. laevigata workers were placed in the attack arena together with one E. tonhascai female. A no-choice test was also performed, when each ant species was offered to a phorid female at different times. Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai performed the highest number of inspection flights, attempted attacks, and actual attacks against A. sexdens workers with a cephalic capsule size of 3-5 mm. When comparing attacks on A. sexdens and A. laevigata workers, they were equally inspected, attacked, and the total parasitism rates were similar. However, the phorid adult emergence rate was significantly higher in the A. sexdens parasitized workers. We conclude that E. tonhascai females express preference for parasitizing larger hosts (cephalic capsule width of 3-5 mm), but do not display a preference for host species when comparing A. sexdens versus A. laevigata, and thus can similarly contribute to both leafcutter ants' natural biological control.

Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides used in the management of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on the predator Cycloneda sanguinea L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

BACKGROUND: The application of synthetic insecticides is the main strategy used to reduce the damage caused by the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella in commercial Brassica crops. However, incorrect insecticide use can cause biological and ecological disturbances in agroecosystems. Cycloneda sanguinea is a generalist voracious predator and is distributed widely in cultivated and noncultivated ecosystems. This study investigated the efficiency of four insecticides for the control of P. xylostella and the lethal and sublethal effects of these insecticides on C. sanguinea. RESULTS: Spinosad (92% mortality) and chlorfenapyr (76% mortality) were highly toxic to P. xylostela. However, chlorantraniliprole (10% mortality) and methomyl (no mortality) were ineffective against this pest. Chlorantraniliprole was the only insecticide that was highly toxic to C. sanguinea by contact (90% mortality), however, it was nontoxic following the ingestion of chlorantraniliprole-contaminated aphids. Interestingly, ingestion of prey contaminated with methomyl and chlorfenapyr was highly toxic (100% mortality) to C. sanguinea. Spinosad was nontoxic to C. sanguinea via exposure to contaminated surfaces and following ingestion of contaminated prey. However, direct contact of the insects with both methomyl and spinosad significantly affected C. sanguinea flight activity (vertical flight and free-fall flight), whereas chlorfenapyr impacted vertical flight only. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that chlorantraniliprole was not only ineffective for the control of P. xylostela, but was also highly toxic to C. sanguinea. The results indicated that spinosad was efficient against P. xylostela and was of low toxicity to C. sanguinea; however, the deleterious effects of this insecticide on flight behavior could result in reduced predatory efficiency. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores are highly virulent to adult Aedes aegypti, an important arbovirus vector.

BACKGROUND: The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for the control of adult mosquitoes is a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. Previous studies have only evaluated conidiospores against adult mosquitoes. However, blastospores, which are highly virulent against mosquito larvae and pupae, could also be effective against adults. METHODS: Metarhizium anisopliae (ESALQ 818 and LEF 2000) blastospores and conidia were first tested against adult Aedes aegypti by spraying insects with spore suspensions. Blastospores were then tested using an indirect contact bioassay, exposing mosquitoes to fungus-impregnated cloths. Virulence when using blastospores suspended in 20% sunflower oil was also investigated. RESULTS: Female mosquitoes sprayed with blastospores or conidia at a concentration of 108 propagules ml-1 were highly susceptible to both types of spores, resulting in 100% mortality within 7 days. However, significant differences in virulence of the isolates and propagules became apparent at 107 spores ml-1, with ESALQ 818 blastospores being more virulent than LEF 2000 blastospores. ESALQ 818 blastospores were highly virulent when mosquitoes were exposed to black cotton cloths impregnated with blastospores shortly after preparing the suspensions, but virulence declined rapidly 12 h post-application. The addition of vegetable oil to blastospores helped maintain virulence for up to 48 h. CONCLUSION: The results showed that blastospores were more virulent to adult female Ae. aegypti than conidia when sprayed onto the insects or applied to black cloths. Vegetable oil helped maintain blastospore virulence. The results show that blastospores have potential for use in integrated vector management, although new formulations and drying techniques need to be investigated.

Biological performance and oviposition preference of tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta when offered a range of Solanaceous host plants.

The tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechuidae) is native to South America and has now become the main tomato pest in Europe, Africa and Asia. The wide range of host plants attacked by this pest has been reported as one of the main reasons for the success of this important insect species. However, the information currently available on the biological performance of T. absoluta on Solanaceae has been obtained from a limited number of host species. The Solanaceae family is composed of thousands of species, many of which are potential hosts for T. absoluta. Our results showed that the highest oviposition rates occurred on cultivated tomato plants, potato and wild tomato. The lowest rates occurred on "gilo", "jurubeba", green pepper and pepper. The highest survival rates of the immature stages occurred on potato and the lowest on pepper, green pepper and "jurubeba". Female fertility, following infestation of the different plant species, was highest for insects that developed on tomato or potato and the lowest rates were seen on American black nightshade. The net reproductive rate and the intrinsic growth rate were highest on potato and tomato. Cluster analysis grouped tomato and potato as highly susceptible to attack, American black nightshade, juá, eggplant, gilo and wild tomato as moderately susceptible, whilst pepper, green pepper and jurubeba were categorized as resistant to T. absoluta. These results clearly demonstrate that the choice of solanaceous host plant species has a direct impact on the fitness parameters of the tomato pinworm as well as survival potential, dispersion and establishment at new sites. These results are important for the planning of integrated pest management strategies.

Citrus Mealybug Performance and Plant Strata Preference on Different Coffee Varieties.

The optimal defense theory stipulates that a plant prioritizes the defense of young tissue against herbivory, which may affect the spatial distribution of the attacking insect and its impact on plant performance. In this study, we evaluated the feeding and oviposition site preferences of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), when comparing different parts of the canopy of two coffee varieties as well as its fertility and life history parameters. We evaluated the feeding preference, oviposition site choice, and the distribution of different development stages of P. citri on different strata (apical, median, base, and trunk regions) of two coffee varieties, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, as well as the associated variations in life history parameters and fertility. The citrus mealybug preferred to feed and oviposit on young leaves despite the presence of high levels of defense compounds. On average, more than 38% of P. citri preferred the apical leaves of cv. Coffea arabica compared to the other parts of the plant. However, in cv. C. canephora, the proportion that preferred the apical leaves was greater than 55%. The net reproduction rate (R0) and the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of P. citri reared on C. canephora were significantly higher than those seen on C. arabica. The generation time (T) of P. citri reared on C. arabica was significantly longer than that observed on C. canephora. The estimated population growth rate of mealybugs on C. canephora varieties over 15 generations was more than twice that of the population on C. arabica. The dispersion ability and choice of the most nutritious plant strata by nymphs and adults on coffee plants are fundamental to the fitness of these mealybugs. Mealybugs showed a distinct preference for C. canephora.

Geostatistical Assessment of Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Spatial Distribution in Commercial Watermelon Crops.

Spatial distribution studies of insect pests make it possible to determine their colonization and dispersal patterns. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et Nakai) is among the most frequently consumed fruits in the world, and the common blossom thrips, Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is one of the most important insect pests of this plant. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of F. schultzei in commercial watermelon crops using geostatistics. The studied F. schultzei populations presented an aggregated distribution. The colonization of thrips began at the borders of the crops, especially in the areas located in the opposite direction to that of the prevailing winds. The highest densities of thrips occurred in crops that had cucurbits in the surrounding areas. When monitoring for F. schultzei populations, greater attention should be given to sampling that part of the crop located in the opposite direction to that of the prevailing winds because this is where colonization begins. Even at low densities, the aggregation points of thrips in the crop should be located and controlled so that they do not cause damage. In sampling programs for F. schultzei, samples should be taken at distances greater than 9 m apart because this is the distance up to which densities of this species show spatial dependence. Planting watermelon crops close to other cucurbits should be avoided, as these alternate hosts may act as a source of infestation by this pest.

Produção científica de dissertações e teses sobre cuidados paliativos e doenças crônicas: estudo bibliométrico / Scientific production of dissertations and theses on palliative care and chronic diseases: bibliometric study / Producción científica de disertaciones y tesis sobre cuidados paliativos y enfermedades crónicas: estudio bibliométrico

Objective: The study's purpose has been to verify bibliometric indexes for Master dissertations and PhD Theses on palliative care and chronical diseases published in Brazil. Methods: It is a bibliometric study through searching Masters dissertation and PhD theses finished between 2009 and 2018, on the database of the Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações [Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations], Portal of Theses and Dissertations of Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), and the Public Domain Portal. Results: The corpus was composed by 36 studies (28 Masters dissertation and 8 PhD theses). We could find that in 2014 there was a higher number of research, and the Universidade Federal de Santa Cararina was the institution where most theses were written on the theme. Also, its hospital was the most recurrent case in study. Conclusion: Bibliometric indicators indicated that nurses developed a larger number of studies. Most studies are carried out using the qualitative approach and the scenario with the largest number of research was the hospital environment

Objetivo: Verificar indicadores bibliométricos de dissertações e de teses publicadas no Brasil sobre cuidados paliativos e doenças crônicas. Método: Estudo bibliométrico realizado através da busca de dissertações e teses, no período de 2009 a 2018, disponibilizadas nas bases de dados Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, Portal de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e Portal Domínio Público. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 36 estudos, sendo 28 dissertações e oito teses. Averiguou-se um maior quantitativo de produções no ano de 2014, com a Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina como instituição de ensino que mais produziu acerca da temática, e o hospital o cenário mais investigado. Conclusão: Os indicadores bibliométricos indicaram que os enfermeiros desenvolveram maior quantitativo dos estudos. A maioria dos estudos se desenvolve por meio da abordagem qualitativa e o cenário com maior quantitativo de pesquisa foi o local hospitalar

Objetivo: El propósito del trabajo es verificar indicadores bibliométricos de disertaciones y tesis publicadas en Brasil sobre cuidados paliativos y enfermedades crónicas. Método: Este es un estudio bibliométrico realizado a través de la búsqueda de disertaciones y tesis, de 2009 a 2018, disponible en las bases de datos [Biblioteca Digital Brasileña de Tesis y Disertaciones], Portal de Tesis y Disertaciones de la Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) y Portal Domínio Público. Resultados: La muestra consistió en 36 estudios, 28 disertaciones y 8 tesis. Se verificó una mayor cantidad de producciones en 2014, con la Universidade Federal de Santa Cararina como la institución educativa que produjo más sobre el tema, y el hospital como el escenario más investigado. Conclusión: Los indicadores bibliométricos indicaron que las enfermeras desarrollaron una mayor cantidad de estudios. La mayoría de los estudios se desarrollan a través del enfoque cualitativo y el escenario con el mayor número de investigaciones fue el medio hospitalario

Acesso e implicações da automedicação em idosos na atenção primária à saúde / Access and implications of self-medication in the elderly in primary health care / Acceso e implicaciones de la automedicación en ancianos en la atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: avaliar o acesso e sua interferência no processo da automedicação em idosos. Método: estudo de avaliação de serviços com corte seccional, com idosos de ambos os sexos, que utilizam os serviços da atenção primária à saúde, pertencente ao município de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Foram realizadas 121 entrevistas, em nove unidades básicas de saúde no ano de 2016. Os dados foram analisados a partir do teste T de Student e o teste Qui-Quadrado, para determinar a significância estatística entre as variáveis independentes e os desfechos. Resultados: a prevalência de automedicação foi de 66,7%, associada negativamente ao acesso, atributo desfavoravelmente avaliado pelos idosos (média de 3,4). A febre (19,8%) foi a principal queixa motivadora de automedicação, sendo os analgésicos, os fármacos mais utilizados na automedicação. A automedicação apresentou associação significativa entre idade e medicamento sem prescrição médica para febre e cefaleia. Conclusão: apesar de não ter encontrado associação entre acesso e automedicação, foi identificada a alta prevalência dessa prática. Assim, é necessário que haja o fortalecimento da atenção primária, por meio de políticas voltadas às necessidades dos idosos com abordagem integral e com maior acesso ao atendimento multidisciplinar e multiprofissional, e não apenas a oferta de medicamentos.

Objective: to evaluate the access and its interference in the process of selfmedication in the elderly. Method: evaluation study of cross-sectional services with elderly men and women who use primary health care services in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. A total of 121 interviews were conducted in 09 basic health units of the municipality in 2016. Data were analyzed using the Student's ttest and chi-square test to determine the statistical significance between the two independent variables and outcomes. Results: the prevalence of self-medication was 66.7%, being negatively associated with access, a negatively assessed attribute in the perception of the elderly, showing an unsatisfactory degree (mean of 3.4). Fever (19.8%) was the main motivating complaint of self-medication, with analgesics being the most used self-medication. Self-medication showed a significant association between age and nonprescription medication for fever and headache. Conclusion: despite not finding an association between access and selfmedication, the high prevalence of this practice was identified. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen primary care through policies focused on the needs of the elderly with a comprehensive approach and greater access to multidisciplinary and multiprofessional care, not just the supply of medicines.

Objetivos: evaluar el acceso y su interferencia en el proceso de la automedicación en ancianos. Metodo: Estudio de evaluación de servicios transversales con ancianos que utilizan los servicios de Atención Primaria a la Salud en la cidad de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Se realizaron 121 entrevistas, en nueve unidades de atención primaria de salud en 2016. Los datos se analizaron mediante la prueba t de Student y la prueba de chi-cuadrado para determinar la significacíon estadística entre las variables independentes y resultados. Resultados: La prevalencia de la automedicación fue del 66,7%, asociada negativamente al acceso, un atributo desfavorablemente evaluado por los ancianos(media de 3,4). La fiebre (19,8%) fue la principal queja motivadora de la automedicación, siendo los analgésicos la automedicacíon más utilizados. La automedicación msotró asociación significativa entre edad y la medicacíon sin receta para la fiebre e el dolor de cabeza. Conclusión: aunque no se encontró asociación entre el acceso y la automedicación, se identificó la alta prevalencia de esta práctica. Por lo tanto, es necesario fortalecer la atención primaria a través de políticas centradas en las necesidades de las personas mayores con un enfoque integral y un mayor acceso a la atención multidisciplinaria y multiprofesional, no solo el suministro de medicamentos.

Natural mortality factors of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta in open-field tomato crops in South America.

BACKGROUND: Little importance has been given to the role of natural mortality factors (biotic and abiotic) in the regulation of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) populations. The present study determined the action of mortality factors on T. absoluta populations infesting cultivated tomato crops. Eighty ecological life tables for T. absoluta in field cultivated tomato plants were constructed and analyzed. RESULTS: Total T. absoluta mortality was 99.08%, with 38.76% mortality during the egg phase, 57.20% in the larva phase and 3.12% in the pupal phase. The main mortality factors during the egg stage were predation, parasitism and egg inviability. In the larval stage, the main mortality factors were predation, parasitism, entomopathogenic agents and physiological disorders. In the pupal stage, the main mortality factor was predation. The larvae of the third and fourth instar were more susceptible to the action of mortality factors and the predatory wasp, Protonectarina sylveirae, was the main insect predator of these larvae. CONCLUSIONS: The T. absoluta population is regulated under field conditions by the action of natural enemies of the larvae. The predatory wasp P. sylveirae is very important in the regulation of T. absoluta populations in open-field tomato crops in Brazil. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Acute effect of elastic bandage technique on middle deltoid muscle force and activation in healthy men / Efeito agudo da técnica de bandagem elástica sobre a força e ativação muscular do deltoide médio em homens saudáveis / Efecto agudo de la técnica de bandaje elástica sobre la fuerza y activación muscular del deltóide medio en hombres sanos

Abstract Introduction: Elastic bandages (EB), such as Kinesio taping, have been widely used in sports or daily life activities with the aim of preventing or reducing musculoskeletal injuries. It has been suggested that Kinesio Taping is capable of altering muscle activation through neurophysiological mechanisms, but the evidences about this are controversial. Objective: To verify the acute effect of EB on maximum voluntary isometric force (MVIF) and muscle activation of the middle deltoid muscle during muscle contraction. Method: Twenty-four healthy male (24 ± 4 years, 73.2 ± 13.9kg, 1.80 ± 0.10m) were randomly assigned to a group with elastic bandage activated at 100% (AEB n = 8); with tensionless elastic bandage (NEB n = 8), and the control group (CG n = 9). The volunteers were instructed to perform 5s of maximal isometric contraction at 90° of shoulder abduction while the MIVF and EMGrms records were registered. Results: One-way ANOVA was unable to identify significant difference (α = 0.05) in MIVF and EMGrms of the middle deltoid at 90° of shoulder abduction. Conclusion: The application of elastic bandage was not able to alter the production of maximal isometric voluntary contraction and activation of the middle deltoid muscle of healthy individuals and, therefore, its use is not justified for these purposes.

Resumo Introdução: Bandagens elásticas (BE), como a Kinesio taping, têm sido amplamente utilizadas em atividades esportivas ou da vida cotidiana com o objetivo de prevenir ou reduzir as lesões musculoesqueléticas. Tem sido sugerido que a Kinesio Taping é capaz de alterar a ativação muscular por meio de mecanismos neurofisiológicos, mas as evidências são controversas. Objetivo: verificar o efeito agudo da BE sobre a força isométrica voluntária máxima (FIVM) e ativação muscular do músculo deltoide médio durante a contração muscular. Método: Vinte e quatro participantes saudáveis, do sexo masculino (24 ± 4 anos; 73,2 ± 13,9kg; 1,80 ± 0,1m) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupo com a bandagem elástica ativada a 100% (BEA n = 8) e com bandagem elástica sem tensão (BEN n = 8), ambas posicionadas no ombro; além do grupo controle (GC = 9). Os voluntários foram orientados a realizar 5s de contração isométrica máxima a 90° de abdução da articulação do ombro enquanto os registros de FIVM e EMGrms eram captados. Resultados: A ANOVA de uma entrada não foi capaz de identificar diferença significativa (α = 0,05) na FIVM e na EMGrms do deltoide médio a 90° de abdução da articulação do ombro. Conclusão: A aplicação da bandagem elástica não foi capaz de alterar a produção da força isométrica voluntária máxima e a ativação do músculo deltoide médio de indivíduos saudáveis e, portanto, seu uso não se justifica para esses fins.

Resumen Introducción: Vendaje elásticos (VE), como la Kinesio taping, han sido ampliamente utilizadas en actividades deportivas o de la vida cotidiana con el objetivo de prevenir o reducir las lesiones musculoesqueléticas. Se ha sugerido que la Kinesio Taping es capaz de alterar la activación muscular por medio de mecanismos neurofisiológicos, pero las evidencias son controvertidas. Objetivo: verificar el efecto agudo de los VE sobre la fuerza isométrica voluntaria máxima (FIVM) y activación muscular del músculo deltoide medio durante la contracción muscular. Método: Veinticuatro participantes sanos, del sexo masculino (24 ± 4 años, 73,2 ± 13,9kg, 1,80 ± 0,1m) fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en grupo con el vendage elástico activado al 100% (VEA n = 8); con el vendaje elástico sin tensión (VEN n = 8; y el grupo de control (GC = 9). Los voluntarios fueron orientados a realizar 5s de contracción isométrica máxima a 90° de abducción de la articulación del hombro mientras los registros de FIVM y EMGrms eran captados. Resultados: La ANOVA de una entrada no fue capaz de identificar diferencia significativa (α = 0,05) en la FIVM y en la EMGrms del deltoide medio a 90° de abducción de la articulación del hombro. Conclusión: La aplicación de el vendaje elástico no fue capaz de alterar la producción de fuerza isométrica voluntaria máxima y la activación del músculo deltoide medio de individuos sanos y, por lo tanto, su uso no está justificado para esos propósitos.

Spatial distribution and losses by grain destroying insects in transgenic corn expressing the toxin Cry1Ab.

Insect pests are one of the factors that most impact plant yield. The magnitude of the losses and the spatiotemporal pest distribution in crops is a result of their interactions with the environment. Therefore, the understanding of the causes of production losses and the pest spatial patterns is important for the development of suitable sampling plans and pest management programs. Thus, this study aimed to quantify grain losses caused by insects and to determine the spatial distribution pattern of arthropod pest species in Bt and non-Bt corn. The prevailing insect pests in the corn ears were the earworm and fall armyworm caterpillars (Helicoverpa spp. and Spodoptera frugiperda), the cornsilk fly (Euxesta spp.), the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), and the square-necked grain beetle (Cathartus quadricollis). The non-Bt corn was more attacked by the caterpillars and the weevil, while Bt corn was more affected by the cornsilk fly Euxesta spp. Spatial dependence was significant for the damage caused by the caterpillars, the grain beetle and the maize weevil in both the Bt and non-Bt corn genotypes. The range of the damage caused by the insects was between 9.0-9.7 m for the caterpillars, 6.9-12.20 m for the cornsilk fly, 10.7-80.4 m for the square-necked grain beetle, and 51.9-170.7 m for the maize weevil. The pattern of the spatial distribution of pest damage in both corn genotypes (i.e., Bt and non-Bt corn) was similar with a prevalence of moderate to strong spatial dependence and aggregate damage distribution. The plants near to the sampling points exhibited injury and infestation levels similar to those of the sampled plants.

Performance of the Natural Mortality Factors of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as a Function of Cotton Plant Variety and Phenology.

Natural mortality factors are responsible for regulating pest populations in the field. However, plant attributes such as the variety and phenological stage can influence the performance of these factors. Therefore, we investigated the performance of the natural mortality factors of Aphis gossypii (Glover; Hemiptera: Aphididae) as a function of the plant variety and phenology. To investigate the performance of these factors, we evaluated the mortality of A. gossypii caused by natural mortality factors for 2 yr in field conditions in transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis/Roundup Ready) and non-transgenic cotton crops during vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages. The natural mortality factors were affected similarly between the transgenic and non-transgenic plants; however, differences were observed in their performance, depending on the phenological stage of the cotton plant. Compared with other stages, predation was higher in the flowering stage, whereas the mortality caused by rainfall was higher in the vegetative stage. Coccinellid beetles were primarily responsible for the predation on A. gossypii. These findings highlight that the performance of the natural mortality factors of A. gossypii varied more as a function of the phenological stage of cotton than of the variety.