Breeding Habitat Preference of the Dengue Vector Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from Urban, Semiurban, and Rural Areas in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

Elimination of vector mosquito larvae and their breeding environments is an effective strategy in dengue disease control. Present study examined larval density and water quality in breeding habitats and container preference of dengue vectors Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Larval surveys were conducted monthly in urban, semiurban, and rural sites in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, from January 2019 to December 2021. Larval densities were recorded under the following three categories: type of container (16 types), type of material (6 types), and location (indoor/outdoor). Breeding preference ratios (BPRs) were calculated using Index of Available Containers and the Index of Contribution to Breeding Sites. Out of 19,234 wet containers examined, larval stages were found in 1,043 habitats. Ae. albopictus larvae were in all three areas whereas Ae. aegypti larvae were restricted to urban areas. Highest number of wet containers and highest positivity were reported from urban followed by semiurban. In general, discarded nondegradable items were the most frequent and mostly positive breeding sites. For Ae. aegypti, the most preferred breeding sites were gutters and concrete slabs. Ae. albopictus mostly preferred concrete slabs in urban areas and tyres in semiurban and rural areas. Material types such as rubber and concrete were mostly preferred by Ae. aegypti whereas ceramic was preferred by Ae. albopictus. Although plastic was the most available material type in all study sites, preference to plastic was low except for urban Ae. albopictus. Both species preferred urban indoor breeding habitats although outdoor breeding was preferred by Ae. albopictus in rural areas. Larval densities of Ae. aegypti and semiurban Ae. albopictus significantly correlated with the BPR of the container type and material type. Dengue vector larvae were found in a 6.7-9.4 pH range. Total dissolved solids and alkalinity positively correlated with preference. Information generated can be successfully used in waste management and public education for effective vector control.

Efficacy of the insect growth regulator novaluron in the control of dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) novaluron is an alternative to synthetic neuro-inhibitory insecticides. Present study was designed to assess appropriate dosages of novaluron for dengue vector control. Larvae of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were exposed to a concentration series of novaluron (Rimon EC10) for two fixed exposure periods of 7-days and 14-days to determined LC50 and LC99 values. Inhibition of adult emergence (IE50 and IE99) was determined by a 14-day exposure. Semi-field experiments were conducted by exposing cohorts of Ae. aegypti larvae to IE99, 2 × IE99 and 10 × IE99 novaluron concentrations in water storage buckets (10 L) and plastic barrels (200 L). For the 7-day exposure, LC50 values were 0.047-0.049 ppm and LC99 were 0.144-0.151 ppm. For 14-day exposure, these values were 0.002-0.005 ppm and 0.006-0.01 ppm respectively. For both species, IE99 was 0.001 ppb under semi-field conditions, and was effective for nearly 2 months. Novaluron concentration 0.01 ppb was effective up to 3 months, with an IE of 89-95%. Authorities should critically review a reduction of the presently recommended field dosage of 200 ppm novaluron by × 100 or more. This would provide the same efficacy but mitigate environmental pollution, development of vector resistance, and financial losses.

High population levels lead Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) to unrecorded feeding and oviposition behaviors on Eucalyptus urograndis plants / Altos níveis populacionais levam Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) a diferentes comportamentos de alimentação e oviposição em plantas de Eucalyptus urograndis

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an insect pest originating in Australia and which feeds only on Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) plants, has spread to several countries. The populations of this insect commonly reach high populations on Eucalyptus plants since its entry into Brazil, and also indicated an unrecorded behavioral. The objectives of this study were to describe a peculiar adaptation in the feeding habit of G. brimblecombei and to register the new habit. The oviposition and feeding by G. brimblecombei, commonly, on the leaves of Eucalyptus, started to occur, also, on lignified twigs. This suggests a not yet recorded adaptation of this insect to reduce insect × plant intraspecific competition.

O psilídeo de concha, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), um inseto praga originário da Austrália e que se alimenta apenas de plantas de Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), se espalhou por vários países. Esse inseto, geralmente, atinge grandes populações em plantas de Eucalyptus desde sua entrada no Brasil e, também, indicou um comportamento diferente. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever uma adaptação peculiar no hábito alimentar de G. brimblecombei e registrar o novo hábito. A oviposição e alimentação por G. brimblecombei, geralmente, nas folhas de Eucalyptus, passaram a ocorrer, também, em ramos lignificados. Isso sugere uma adaptação diferente desse inseto para reduzir a competição intraespecífica inseto × planta.

Malignant salivary gland tumors: agreement between fine needle aspiration biopsy, incisional biopsy and final histopathological diagnostic.

BACKGROUND: Incisional biopsy is indicated for intraoral tumors, but it is a contraindicated surgical procedure for major salivary glands. To avoid complications and facilitate diagnosis, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a type of biopsy widely used for preoperative diagnosis in these glands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to analyze the agreement between the diagnosis by FNAB (major glands), incisional biopsy (minor glands) and histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen in salivary gland tumors from a database (medical records) of patients treated in a cancer treatment reference center in the Northeast region of Brazil. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 110 cases, being 86 of them malignant tumors in major salivary glands (parotid gland=73; submandibular gland=13) and 24 cases in minor salivary glands (palate). The female gender was the most affected (57.3%), especially in patients over 60 years (42.7%). In the TNM classification, 41.8% of the cases were in T2 at the time of diagnosis, with most of the regional lymph nodes in N0 (85.5%) and 87.3% of the cases in M0. FNAB was able to identify malignant neoplasms in 68.6% of the cases (n=59), while incisional biopsy in palatal tumors obtained agreement of 75% of the cases (n=18). The analysis revealed that tumors classified as T3-T4 (p=0.012) showed greater agreement between pre- and post-surgical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study indicate that FNAB has similar accuracy to incisional biopsy in providing satisfactory preoperative diagnoses of malignant tumors in salivary glands.

High population levels lead Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) to unrecorded feeding and oviposition behaviors on Eucalyptus urograndis plants

Abstract The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an insect pest originating in Australia and which feeds only on Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) plants, has spread to several countries. The populations of this insect commonly reach high populations on Eucalyptus plants since its entry into Brazil, and also indicated an unrecorded behavioral. The objectives of this study were to describe a peculiar adaptation in the feeding habit of G. brimblecombei and to register the new habit. The oviposition and feeding by G. brimblecombei, commonly, on the leaves of Eucalyptus, started to occur, also, on lignified twigs. This suggests a not yet recorded adaptation of this insect to reduce insect × plant intraspecific competition.

Resumo O psilídeo de concha, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), um inseto praga originário da Austrália e que se alimenta apenas de plantas de Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), se espalhou por vários países. Esse inseto, geralmente, atinge grandes populações em plantas de Eucalyptus desde sua entrada no Brasil e, também, indicou um comportamento diferente. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever uma adaptação peculiar no hábito alimentar de G. brimblecombei e registrar o novo hábito. A oviposição e alimentação por G. brimblecombei, geralmente, nas folhas de Eucalyptus, passaram a ocorrer, também, em ramos lignificados. Isso sugere uma adaptação diferente desse inseto para reduzir a competição intraespecífica inseto × planta.

Validation and calibration of a novel GEM biosensor for specific detection of Cd2+, Zn2+, and Pb2.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we designed a novel genetic circuit sensitive to Cd2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ by mimicking the CadA/CadR operon system mediated heavy metal homeostasis mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The regular DNA motifs on natural operon were reconfigured and coupled with the enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) reporter to develop a novel basic NOT type logic gate CadA/CadR-eGFP to respond metal ions mentioned above. A Genetically Engineered Microbial (GEM)-based biosensor (E.coli-BL21:pJET1.2-CadA/CadR-eGFP) was developed by cloning the chemically synthesised CadA/CadR-eGFP gene circuit into pJET1.2-plasmid and transforming into Escherichia coli (E. coli)-BL21 bacterial cells. RESULTS: The GEM-based biosensor cells indicated the reporter gene expression in the presence of Cd2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ either singly or in combination. Further, the same biosensor cells calibrated for fluorescent intensity against heavy metal concentration generated linear graphs for Cd2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ with the R2 values of 0.9809, 0.9761 and 0.9758, respectively as compared to non-specific metals, Fe3+ (0.0373), AsO43- (0.3825) and Ni2+ (0.8498) making our biosensor suitable for the detection of low concentration of the former metal ions in the range of 1-6 ppb. Furthermore, the GEM based biosensor cells were growing naturally within the concentration range of heavy metals, at 37 °C and optimum pH = 7.0 in the medium, resembling the characteristics of wildtype E.coli. CONCLUSION: Finally, the novel GEM based biosensor cells developed in this study can be applied for detection of targeted heavy metals in low concentration ranges (1-6 ppb) at normal bacterial physiological conditions.

Tiny spies: mosquito antennae are sensitive sensors for eavesdropping on frog calls.

Most mosquito and midge species use hearing during acoustic mating behaviors. For frog-biting species, however, hearing plays an important role beyond mating as females rely on anuran calls to obtain blood meals. Despite the extensive work examining hearing in mosquito species that use sound in mating contexts, our understanding of how mosquitoes hear frog calls is limited. Here, we directly investigated the mechanisms underlying detection of frog calls by a mosquito species specialized on eavesdropping on anuran mating signals: Uranotaenia lowii. Behavioral, biomechanical and neurophysiological analyses revealed that the antenna of this frog-biting species can detect frog calls by relying on neural and mechanical responses comparable to those of non-frog-biting species. Our findings show that in Ur. lowii, contrary to most species, males do not use sound for mating, but females use hearing to locate their anuran host. We also show that the response of the antennae of this frog-biting species resembles that of the antenna of species that use hearing for mating. Finally, we discuss our data considering how mosquitoes may have evolved the ability to tap into the communication system of frogs.

Eugenia uniflora: a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

This work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from crude extract and fractions from leaves of Eugenia uniflora Linn. The crude extract was obtained by turbo extraction and their fractions by partitioning. Chromatographic analysis were performed, and the antioxidant capacity was verified by two methods (DPPH• and ABTS•+). The Minimal Inhibitory/Bactericidal Concentration were conducted against twenty-two bacteria, selecting five strains susceptible to extract/fractions and resistant to the antibiotics tested. Ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were associated with Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF) against multidrug-resistant strains in modulatory and checkerboard tests. The chromatographic data showed gallic acid, ellagic acid, and myricitrin in crude extract, with enrichment in the EAF. The electron transfer activity demonstrated in the antioxidant tests is related to the presence of flavonoids. The Gram-positive strains were more susceptible to EAF, and their action spectra were improved by association, comprising Gram-negative bacilli. Synergisms were observed to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa colistin-resistant. The results demonstrate that the extract and enriched fraction obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora act as a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing.

BACKGROUND: Since ancient times, the essential element sulphur has played an important role in different medical fields. It is one of the main materials used in herbo-mineral pharmaceutics in Ayurveda. However, for Ayurvedic pharmaceutical preparations, the purity of sulphur is crucial in avoiding any harmful reactions and to enhance the medicinal quality. Therefore, it is subjected to a process called 'gandhaka shodhana' using cow's milk, ghee or occasionally plant extracts. The plant, Eclipta alba (L.) Hassak, containing many bioactive compounds, is one of the extracts known to be used in the 'shodhana' process of sulphur. However, in comparison to the laboratory purification method of sulphur neither the effect of this 'shodhana' process in removing impurities from sulphur nor its effect on the structure and morphology of sulphur has been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: This study identifies physical, morphological, and structural changes that occur in sulphur when it is subjected to the 'shodhana' process compared to the changes that occur in sulphur obtained after simple laboratory purification. METHODOLOGY: Both samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Observed physical changes such as colour, allotropic form, odour, hardness, transparency, and lustre of the samples were also determined using recommended techniques. RESULTS: Although the laboratory purification method separates the sulphur from physical and chemical impurities, Ayurveda 'shodhana' process with E. alba converts the sulphur into a more pharmaceutically suitable form by making it more nebulous and introducing higher brittleness, FT-IR data shows removal of chemical impurities from sulphur during 'shodhana' process in contrast to laboratory purified sample.

Nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells to preadipocytes.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning on adipogenic determination. Thirty-four female calves were assigned to two experimental treatments: Control (CON, n = 17), where animals were supplemented only with mineral mixture; Supplemented (SUP, n = 17), where animals received energy-protein supplement containing minerals (5 g/kg of BW per day) of their body weight. Animals were supplemented from 100 to 250 days of age, and muscle samples were biopsied at the end of the supplementation period. Regarding the performance variables, there were no differences between treatments for initial body weight (P = 0.75). The final body weight (P = 0.07), average daily gain (P = 0.07), rib eye area (P = 0.03), and rib fat thickness (P = 0.08) were greater in SUP female calves compared with CON treatment. The number of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (P = 0.69) did not differ between treatments, while a greater number of intramuscular pre-adipocytes were observed in SUP than CON female calves (P = 0.01). The expression of miRNA-4429 (P = 0.20) did not differ between treatments, while the expression of miRNA-129-5p (P = 0.09) and miRNA-129-2-3p (P = 0.05) was greater in CON than SUP female calves. Our results suggest that nutrient supplementation at early postnatal stages of development enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells into the adipogenic lineages allowing to an increase in intramuscular fat deposition potential of the animals later in life.

Antifungal activity of terpenes isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga: a review.

Terpenoids, also named terpenes or isoprenoids, are a family of natural products found in all living organisms. Many plants produce terpenoids as secondary metabolites, and these make up a large part of essential oils. One of most important characteristic is that the compounds are volatile, have odor and can be used in a variety of applications in different industrial segments and traditional medicine. Brazil has a rich and diverse flora that can be used as a source of research for obtaining new molecules. Within the Brazilian flora, it is worth mentioning the Caatinga as an exclusively Brazilian biome where plants adapt to a specific series of weather conditions and therefore become a great storehouse of the terpenoid compounds to be described herein. Fungal infections have become increasingly common, and a great demand for new agents with low toxicity and side effects has thus emerged. Scientists must search for new molecules exhibiting antifungal activity to develop new drugs. This review aims to analyze scientific data from the principal published studies describing the use of terpenes and their biological applications as antifungals.

Breeding site selection and co-existing patterns of tropical mosquitoes.

We investigated the physicochemical properties and the biotic interactions of breeding sites of tropical mosquito species. Field sampling was done in 12 study areas in Sri Lanka covering areas with secondary natural forests and human settlements. A total of 226 breeding sites were investigated to determine the biotic interactions and physiochemical properties of breeding water (pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Dissolved Solids and Temperature). A total of 80.5% of breeding sites from both habitats were positive for mosquito larvae of seven genera and 24 species. Orthopodomyia flavithorax (297) and Aedes albopictus (295) were dominated in tree holes of Alstonia macrophylla, Vateria copallifera and Artocarpus nobilis. Diversity indices showed that the diversity of mosquitoes is high in wet zone habitats of Sri Lanka compared to dry and intermediate zone habitats. Aedes albopictus coexisted with 11 different mosquito species while it avoided larvae of Culex fuscanus, Cx. uniformis and Tripteroides affinis. Strong positive associations were reported between Ae. albopictus and Ar. subalbatus while larvae of Or. flavithorax mosquitoes were not co-occurred with the larvae of Ae. vittatus, Ae. aegypti, Cx. sitiens, Ar. subalbatus, Anopheles spp and Tr. affinis. The findings identified the breeding adaptability and tolerance to a wide range of physiochemical properties of tropical mosquito communities.

Impact of Leisure Activities on the Well-being of Elders: Evidence from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka demonstrates the most rapid aging process among countries in South Asia. The high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the meanwhile results in more than 70% of deaths in the population, a factor that would curtail leisure activities of elders significantly. The objective of this study was to investigate the engagement of elders in leisure activities in Sri Lanka, and to examine the relationship between leisure activities and their well-being. The study was conducted in 2018 in a rural district of Sri Lanka adopting a mixed methods approach. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents aged between 55 and 74 years, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 300 respondents. Qualitative data was also collected from ten key informants while a few observations were also made on selected activities of elders in the study area. The research found that a two-thirds of the surveyed respondents were suffering from NCDs, showing a clear impact on their leisure activities. The presence of leisure activities was much lower among NCD affected elders (48%) compared to NCD free elders (80%). The majority of respondents possess sufficient and accurate knowledge on how to prevent NCDs, but they rarely practiced it. Leisure activities were significantly higher among males (75%) compared to females (43%). Males participated in leisure activities such as, gardening/agriculture etc. (99%), while females were engaged in religious activities such as visiting such places and meditation (98%). Leisure engagement demonstrated a positive impact on their life satisfaction. Although a sizable proportion of elders was engaged in leisure activities, analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data supported the view that the intensity of activities may not be helpful to maintain good health. Life satisfaction and well-being of elders are crucial for rapidly aging Sri Lankan society. Motivating elders and others, including school children, via strengthening of related policies and programs would reduce the NCD burden and enable present and future elders to enjoy a more fulfilling life in old age.

Mucocutaneous diseases with manifestations in the head and neck region: 24 years of experience in a Dermatology service.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features of mucocutaneous diseases with manifestation in the head and neck region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a dermatology reference center database was carried out. Over 24 years. Clinicopathological data were collected from medical records and the data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 11.538 medical records were analyzed, being 152 cases of mucocutaneous diseases with manifestations in the head and neck region. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus was the most prevalent diagnosis (66.4%). Face (44.1%), females (79.6%), and patients with 45 years mean age were the most common features. In the oral cavity, the most affected region was the buccal mucosa (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Mucocutaneous diseases with head and neck manifestation were rare in the sample analyzed (1.3%), with cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lichen planus being the most common lesions in this region.

A mini-review on the impact of common gorse in its introduced ranges.

It is indisputable that invasive plant species strongly impact the ecosystems they invade. Many of such impacts can be negative and threaten the local species through competition, environmental change, or habitat loss. However, introduced plants may also have positive roles in the ecosystems they invade. This review extracted information from reports on common gorse (Ulex europaeus), one of the top 100 invasive plants on the earth, including its detrimental effects and potential beneficial roles in invaded ecosystems. The reduction of native fauna and flora are the main harmful effects of common gorse identified by the literature review. Soil impoverishment and fire hazards are other negative impacts reported for common gorse that could affect agricultural systems and local economies. Despite the negative impacts, reports of positive ecological services provided by common gorse also exist, e.g., as a nursery plant or habitat for endangered native animals. We also reviewed the known human uses of this plant that could support management strategies through harvest and benefit the local communities, including its use as biofuel, raw matter for xylan extraction, medicine, and food. Finally, our review identified the gaps in the literature regarding the understanding of the beneficial role of common gorse on native ecosystems and potential human uses, especially in the tropics.

Stimulated Raman versus Inverse Raman: Investigating Depletion Mechanisms for Super-Resolution Raman Microscopy.

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has been critical in elucidating the nanoscale structure of biological systems. However, fluorescent labels bring difficulties such as perturbative labeling steps and photobleaching. Thus, label-free super-resolution techniques are of great interest, like our group's 2016 stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) technique, stimulated Raman depletion microscopy (SRDM). Inspired by stimulated emission depletion microscopy, SRDM uses a toroidally shaped beam to deplete the signal formed on the edges of the focal spot, resulting in SRS signal being detected from only a subdiffraction limited region. In initial works, the cause of the depletion was not thoroughly characterized. Here, we conclusively demonstrate suppression mechanisms in SRDM, while also contrasting approaches to super-resolution Raman microscopy on the Stokes and anti-Stokes sides of the spectrum. By monitoring the depletion of both the SRS and inverse Raman scattering (IRS) signal at a range of depletion powers, we observed other four-wave coherent Raman pathways that correspond to the introduction of the femtosecond depletion beam. In addition, we showed the depletion of the IRS signal, paving the way for a super-resolution imaging technique based on IRS, inverse raman depletion microscopy (IRDM). Combined, SRDM and IRDM offer label-free super-resolution imaging over a large spectral range to accommodate a variety of different sample constraints.