Efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae in the control of infestation by stable flies Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), under natural infestation conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae applied by aspersion to control of Stomoxys calcitrans flies in dairy cattle naturally infested. Was applied by aspersion an aqueous formulation of M. anisopliae sensu lato (Ma134), at a concentration of 1×10(8)conidia/ml, four times with seven day intervals, on a group of eight Holstein cows; a control group of eight Holstein cows, received a water solution with Tween 80 (0.1%). The average number of flies per animal was estimated one day before each application, and then daily counts were done in both groups. The effectiveness of the formulation was calculated using the Abbott's formula. At the same time, defensive behaviors of stamp/kicks and tail movements were evaluated daily, estimating relative frequency per hour. The Ma134 formulation had an infestation control efficacy of 73%, taking into consideration the four study weeks. The population reduction effect was observed since the first week post-application (p<0.05), and the effect increased with the subsequent applications. Defensive behaviors were reduced beginning from the first application, reaching a reduction of 66% and 70%, respectively, during the four weeks of study. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of the formulation to control infestation by S. calcitrans, as well as reduce defensive behaviors which involves the infestation.

Spontaneous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with behçet disease

We describe the uncommon case of a patient with Behçet disease who developed a giant spontaneous cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm confirmed at surgery. We also discuss the implications of this rare complication.

Effect of a second bloodmeal on the oesophagus colonization by Leishmania mexicana complex in Lutzomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Migration and colonization of the oesophagus by Leishmania mexicana parasites were enhanced after digestion of a second bloodmeal intake in Lutzomyia evansi. This event has epidemiological significance since it affects the infection susceptibility of this sand fly species, which is a proven vector of L. chagasi in Colombian and Venezuelan visceral leishmaniasis foci. Also, it may explain the host seeking behaviour displayed by some partially bloodfed flies found inside houses.

[Extrapelvic endometriosis involving the perineum]

The ectopic endometriosis in the perineum is very rare (0.2% of ectopic endometriosis). We studied 16 cases of vaginoperineal endometriosis. Fifteen of them were localized in the site of an episiotomy scar and in one there was another focus of a severe endometriosis of multiple localizations. All the patients were submitted to anamnesis, physical, gynecologic and proctologic examination, surgical excition, histopathologic study of the lesion and control. All the patients are asymptomatic after treatment. To cure definitively the disease it is necessary to make a complete ablation of the endometrial lesion. Eventually, hormonal treatments could be use in case there were other endometrial localizations besides the vaginoperineal one.

Enhanced spectrofluorimetric determination of the pesticide warfarin by means of the inclusion complex with beta-cyclodextrin

The warfarin-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex alters the luminescent properties of warfarin. This feature allows the use of a spectrofluorimetric method for its determination that gives improved analytical performance. The spectral changes associated with the inclusion process allowed a value of 160 l mol-1 to be obtained for the complexation constant. Fluorescence intensity is linearly related to warfarin concentration for a quantification limit of from 0.2 to 4 micrograms ml-1. The relative standard deviation at the 1.5 microgram ml-1 level is 3.5%. The method was applied satisfactorily to the determination of warfarin in irrigation water.