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Thaumastocoris peregrinus is an introduced “true bug” that is now a severe pest in Eucalyptus plantations of various Southern Hemisphere countries. The semiochemicals of thaumastocorids are completely unknown. Therefore, volatile chemicals from T. peregrinus nymphs and adults were identified as possible leads for pheromones potentially useful for control. The contents of nymphal exocrine glands, which are shed at molting, were identified from extracts of exuviae. Adults lack functional metathoracic scent glands that are characteristic of most heteropterans; however, both males and females possess a glandular-appearing hold-fast organ that they quickly extrude posteriorly when disturbed. Whole body hexane extracts from males and females were prepared by freezing the insects in a flask so that they extruded the hold-fast organ, and then they were extracted with hexane. Volatiles from nymphal exuviae included benzaldehyde, octanol, (E)-2-octenol, octanoic acid, decanal, and hexanoic acid. Adult volatiles included 3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl butyrate and 3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl butyrate.

Blue gum chalcid, Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), causes galling damage to Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) in various regions of the world, but has been controlled effectively by its primary parasitoid, Selitrichodes neseri Kelly & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the recovery of S. neseri after its initial release on Eucalyptus plants in Brazil and to provide data on its biology. Selitrichodes neseri was imported from South Africa to Brazil for the biological control of L. invasa, in Mar 2015, and recovered from Aug 2015 to Dec 2016. Successful recovery of this parasitoid shows its potential to become established in the field. Seedlings of 2 hybrids obtained from crosses between rose gum Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill. ex Maiden and flooded gum Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake and between Eucalyptus sp. and (river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. × E. grandis) showed potential as hosts for culture of S. neseri on L. invasa in the laboratory because up until the adult parasitoid emergence these seedlings did not wilt. When reared at 25.1 to 26.0 °C, the total number of parasitoids and the proportion of male parasitoids were highest, relative to hosts reared at 26.1 to 27.0 °C. Peak emergence of S. neseri occurred 28 d after parasitism.

Heraclides anchisiades capys (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), Citioica anthonilis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), and Methona themisto (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) are tree and shrub pests commonly found in urban areas. The parasitism capacity of Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was evaluated on pupae of these lepidopteran pests as well as on 2 commonly used alternative hosts, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The number of parasitoids produced per mg of host pupal biomass was significantly greater on H. anchisiades capys and T. molitor compared with the other 3 lepidopteran species. The mean number of parasitoids emerging per host pupa was also significantly more on H. anchisiades capys compared with C. anthonilis, M. themisto, A. gemmatalis, or T. molitor. All host species tested in this study show the potential to be used in mass rearing P. elaeisis in the laboratory. However, the lower parasitism and emergence of P. elaeisis on H. anchisiades capys pupae suggests that this lepidopteran pest may not be a suitable host for this parasitoid in the field.

The bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), originating in Australia, has been rapidly spreading in eucalyptus plantations in the Southern Hemisphere, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile. In Brazil, it was detected in 2008 in the states of Sao Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. Due to incomplete knowledge about the biology of this pest, the present study evaluated the bioecology of T. peregrinus in different eucalyptus species and hybrids. The genetic materials utilized were: Eucalyptus camaldulensi s, E. urophylla , E. grandis , ‘1277’ (Hybrid E. grandis x camaldulensis —HGC), ‘VM-1’ (Hybrid E. urophylla x camaldulensis —HUC) and ‘H-13’ (Hybrid E. urophylla x grandis —HUG). The experiment was conducted in a climate-controlled chamber at a temperature of 26 ± 1°C, r.h. = 70% ± 10% and 12 h photophase. The biology of different genotypes indicated that the species E. urophylla and E. grandis are the most suitable for the development and reproduction of T. peregrinus , although all treatments enabled the bronze bug to develop and produce descendants. T. peregrinus developed and reproduced in the principal vegetal materials planted in the southern, central-west and northeastern regions of Brazil, constituting a potentially damaging insect pest to eucalyptus plantations.

Blue gum chalcid, Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), causes galling damage to Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) in various regions of the world, but has been controlled effectively by its primary parasitoid, Selitrichodes neseri Kelly & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the recovery of S. neseri after its initial release on Eucalyptus plants in Brazil and to provide data on its biology. Selitrichodes neseri was imported from South Africa to Brazil for the biological control of L. invasa, in Mar 2015, and recovered from Aug 2015 to Dec 2016. Successful recovery of this parasitoid shows its potential to become established in the field. Seedlings of 2 hybrids obtained from crosses between rose gum Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill. ex Maiden and flooded gum Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake and between Eucalyptus sp. and (river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. x E. grandis) showed potential as hosts for culture of S. neseri on L. invasa in the laboratory because up until the adult parasitoid emergence these seedlings did not wilt. When reared at 25.1 to 26.0 [degrees]C, the total number of parasitoids and the proportion of male parasitoids were highest, relative to hosts reared at 26.1 to 27.0 [degrees]C. Peak emergence of S. neseri occurred 28 d after parasitism.

Blue gum chalcid, Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), causes galling damage to Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) in various regions of the world, but has been controlled effectively by its primary parasitoid, Selitrichodes neseri Kelly & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the recovery of S. neseri after its initial release on Eucalyptus plants in Brazil and to provide data on its biology. Selitrichodes neseri was imported from South Africa to Brazil for the biological control of L. invasa, in Mar 2015, and recovered from Aug 2015 to Dec 2016. Successful recovery of this parasitoid shows its potential to become established in the field. Seedlings of 2 hybrids obtained from crosses between rose gum Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill. ex Maiden and flooded gum Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake and between Eucalyptus sp. and (river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. x E. grandis) showed potential as hosts for culture of S. neseri on L. invasa in the laboratory because up until the adult parasitoid emergence these seedlings did not wilt. When reared at 25.1 to 26.0 [degrees]C, the total number of parasitoids and the proportion of male parasitoids were highest, relative to hosts reared at 26.1 to 27.0 [degrees]C. Peak emergence of S. neseri occurred 28 d after parasitism. Key Words: emergence; exotic pest; gall wasp; parasitoid; South Africa Vespa-da-galha, Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), causa galhas danosas as especies de Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) em varias regioes do mundo, mas tern sido efetivamente controlada por seu parasitoide primario, Selitrichodes neseri Kelly & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a recuperacao de S. neseri apos sua liberacao inicial em plantas de Eucalyptus no Brasil e fornecer dados sobre sua biologia. Selitrichodes neseri foi importado da Africa do Sul para o Brasil para o controle biologico de L. invasa em marco de 2015 e recuperado de agosto de 2015 a dezembro de 2016. Recuperacao com sucesso deste parasitoide mostra seu potencial para se tornar estabelecido no campo. Mudas de 2 hibridos obtidos a partir dos cruzamentos Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill. ex Maiden and Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake e entre Eucalyptus sp. e (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. x E. grandis) mostraram potencial como hospedeiro para se criar S. neseri em L. invasa em laboratorio porque ate a emergencia do parasitoide adulto essas mudas nao murcharam. Quando criado de 25,1 a 26,0 [degrees]C, o numero total de parasitoides e a proporcao de parasitoides machos foram maiores, relativo aos hospedeiros criados de 26,1 a 27,0 [degrees]C. O pico de emergencia de S. neseri ocorreu aos 28 dias apos parasitismo. Palavras Chave: emergencia; praga exotica; vespa-da-galha; parasitoide; Africa do Sul

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency greatly hinders Plasmodium vivax malaria radical cure and further elimination due to 8-aminoquinolines-associated hemolysis. Although the deleterious health effects of primaquine in G6PD deficient individuals have been known for over 50 years, G6PD testing is not routinely performed before primaquine treatment in most P. vivax endemic areas. The qualitative CareStart G6PD screening test was implemented in 12 malaria treatment units (MTUs) in the municipality of Rio Preto da Eva, Western Brazilian Amazon, a malaria endemic area, between February 2019 and early January 2020. Training materials were developed and validated; evaluations were conducted on the effectiveness of training health care professionals (HCPs) to perform the test, the interpretation and reliability of routine testing performed by HCPs, and perceptions of HCPs and patients. Most HCPs were unaware of G6PD deficiency and primaquine-related adverse effects. Most of 110 HCPs trained (86/110, 78%) were able to correctly perform the G6PD test after a single 4-hour training session. The test performed by HCPs during implementation showed 100.0% (4/4) sensitivity and 68.1% (62/91) specificity in identifying G6PD deficient patients as compared to a point-of-care quantitative test (Standard G6PD). G6PD screening using the qualitative CareStart G6PD test performed by HCPs in MTUs of an endemic area showed high sensitivity and concerning low specificity. The amount of false G6PD deficiency detected led to substantial loss of opportunities for radical cure.

Dynamic changes in dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin release are believed to causally contribute to the neural computations that support reward-based decision making. Accordingly, changes in signaling by these systems are hypothesized to underwrite multiple cognitive and behavioral symptoms observed in many neurological disorders. Here, we characterize the release of these neurotransmitters measured concurrently in the caudate of patients with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery as they played a social exchange game. We show that violations in the expected value of monetary offers are encoded by opponent patterns of dopamine and serotonin release in essential tremor, but not Parkinson’s disease, patients. We also demonstrate that these changes in serotonin signaling comprise a neurochemical boundary that subsegments these two neuromotor diseases. Our combined results point to a neural signature of altered reward processing that can be used to understand the signaling deficiencies that underwrite these diseases. Measurements of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the caudate of conscious humans reveal a neurochemical boundary between patients with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease based on serotonin release evoked by monetary offers.

This study assessed the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in mandibular range of motion and muscle tenderness to palpation in persistent myofascial pain (MFP) patients (ReBEC RBR-2d4vvv). Eighty consecutive female subjects with persistent MFP, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20): three BoNT-A groups with different doses and a saline solution group (placebo control group). Treatments were injected bilaterally in the masseter and anterior temporalis muscle in a single session. Clinical measurements of mandibular movements included: pain-free opening, maximum unassisted and assisted opening, and right and left lateral excursions. Palpation tests were performed bilaterally in the masseter and temporalis muscle. Follow-up occurred 28 and 180 days after treatment. For the statistical analysis the Mann–Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction was used for groups comparisons. Regardless of dose, all parameters of mandibular range of motion significantly improved after 180 days in all BoNT-A groups, compared with the control group. Palpation pain over the masseter and temporalis muscles were significantly reduced in all BoNT-A groups regardless of dose, compared with the control group, after 28 and 180 days of treatment. Independent of doses, BoNT-A improved mandibular range of motion and muscle tenderness to palpation in persistent MFP patients.

Galls are products of anatomical, metabolic, and chemical alterations in host plant tissues, caused by parasitic organisms named gall inducers. Gall inducers can potentiate chemical and structural specializations of their host plants for their own benefit, such as the accumulation of bioactive and antioxidant secondary metabolites, which should be tested. This could lead to increased protection against natural enemies, pathogens, and different abiotic stressors. Based on data in the literature, we listed the gall morphotypes found in restingas (threatened coastal vegetations) in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and reunited the anatomical, phytochemical, and medicinal information of the host plants. Superhost plants, capable of hosting more than one gall-inducing species, represented 51% of the hosts, with 80% of the listed galls. Phytochemical and pharmacological potentials were confirmed for 80% of the gall superhosts. Most of the non-medicinal superhosts belong to species or families of toxic plants. These facts indicate the high percentage of superhost species capable of producing and accumulating secondary metabolites. Anatomical, phytochemical, and pharmacological potentials of the 17 most widely distributed superhosts are discussed in detail. These plants have metabolites with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, among several other pharmacological properties. Data gathered here revealed that superhost plants of galling organisms have wide distribution in restingas, accumulate diverse secondary metabolites, and several of them are reported to have bioactive or pharmacological properties. Families of superhost plants not necessarily are those richer and more diverse in restingas, indicating that specific chemical and structural features of host plants are preponderant in galling arthropod–plant interactions. Based on our results, we indicated some superhosts as study models to test the potentiation of such features in galls, which were selected based on the number of associated galls, the types of secondary metabolites detected, and the presence of bioactive substances.