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Native to the neotropics, the avocado seed moth Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) is a specialist pest of the family Lauraceae and considered one of the most important pests of avocados worldwide. However, little is known regarding its spatial distribution within a single tree. Therefore, we designed a study to evaluate the effects of canopy height and aspect (i.e., side of the tree) on fruit infestation by S. catenifer larvae in avocados. The study was conducted in three commercial organic avocado orchards located in São Paulo, Brazil. At each orchard, 40 fruit from 30 random trees were sampled weekly from October 2017 through February 2018, evaluating the number of fruits infested by S. catenifer larvae at three tree heights (bottom, middle, and top). In addition, fruits on the ground were also sampled. We also evaluated the effect of the side of the tree where the fruits were collected, i.e., whether they were on the side facing the east (sunrise) or the west (sunset). Within the avocado canopy, the level of fruit infestation by S. catenifer larvae was significantly higher at the top of the trees than in the middle and bottom. Fruit on the ground had lower levels of infestation than those on the tree canopy. The level of fruit infestation was also higher on the side of avocado trees facing the east (sunrise). Understanding the within-tree distribution of S. catenifer will help to better target monitoring and control activities against this pest in avocados.

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BACKGROUND: The development of feasible preoperative risk tools is desirable, especially for low-middle income countries with limited resources and complex surgical settings. This study aimed to derive and validate a preoperative risk model (Ex-Care model) for postoperative mortality and compare its performance with current risk tools. METHODS: A multivariable logistic regression model predicting in-hospital mortality was developed using a large Brazilian surgical cohort. Patient and perioperative predictors were considered. Its performance was compared with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), and the Surgical Outcome Risk Tool (SORT). RESULTS: The derivation cohort included 16 618 patients. In-hospital death occurred in 465 patients (2.8%). Age, with adjusted splines, degree of procedure (major vs non-major), ASA physical status, and urgency were entered in a final model. It showed high discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.926 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.93). It had superior accuracy to the RCRI (AUROC, 0.90 vs 0.76; P<0.01) and similar to the CCI (0.90 vs 0.82; P=0.06) and SORT models (0.90 vs 0.92; P=0.2) in the temporal validation cohort of 1173 patients. Calibration was adequate in both development (Hosmer-Lemeshow, 9.26; P=0.41) and temporal validation cohorts (Hosmer-Lemeshow 5.29; P=0.71). CONCLUSIONS: The Ex-Care risk model proved very efficient at identifying high-risk surgical patients. Although multicentre studies are needed, it should have particular value in low resource settings to better inform perioperative health policy and clinical decision-making.

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Aquaporins are membrane proteins responsible for permeating water, ions, dissolved gases, and other small molecular weight compounds through the protective cell membranes of living organisms. These proteins have been gaining increased importance as targets for treating a variety of parasitic diseases, since they control key physiological processes in the life cycle of parasitic protozoans, such as the uptake of nutrients, release of metabolites, and alleviation of osmotic stress. In this work, we use homology modeling to build three-dimensional structures for the four main aquaporins encoded and expressed by Leishmania major, a protozoan that causes leishmaniasis and affects millions of people worldwide. Physico-chemical properties of the proposed models for LmAQP1, LmAQPα, LmAQPß, and LmAQPγ are then investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and the reference interaction site model (RISM) molecular theory of solvation. Pore characteristics, water permeation, and potential of mean force across the AQP channels for water, methanol, urea, ammonia, and carbon dioxide are examined and compared with results obtained for a protozoan (Plasmodium falciparum) aquaporin for which a crystal structure is available.

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A RPLC-DAD method for the analysis of eight anthocyanins was developed, validated and applied to strawberry extracts. The chromatographic method was conducted under gradient elution in acidulated water-methanol mobile phase and octadecyl-silica columns. An ultrasound extraction procedure was optimized by a 3(2) factorial design (%HCl in methanol, temperature, and time) and response surface methodology. Method validation was performed according to the following parameters: linearity (R(2)>0.99, p-value<10(-4), F>725), LOD (3-7 µmol L(-1)) and LOQ (9-22 µmol L(-1)), selectivity/specificity (baseline separation of all analytes and peak purity), instrumental precision (<6.4%CV), repeatability (<6.3%CV) and intermediate precision (<9.9%CV), recovery (83-99%), robustness (mobile phase pH, column temperature and flow rate) and stability (high temperatures and storage; 1st order kinetics). The antioxidant power of anthocyanins was measured on-line (ABTS(+) reaction; Trolox as reference). Ten strawberry extracts were quantified (average values: 24.2 µg/g for cyanidin-3-glucoside and 49.1 µg/g for pelargonidin-3-glucoside).

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Acanthoscurria natalensis Chamberlin, 1917 is redescribed. The following species are considered junior synonymsof A. natalensis: A. cursor Chamberlin, 1917, A. fracta Chamberlin, 1917, A. rondoniae Mello-Leitão, 1923, A.chiracantha Mello-Leitão, 1923, and A. parahybana Mello-Leitão, 1926. All examined specimens, including the types,share the same general aspect, morphology of the sexual organs, color, and measurements. Acanthoscurria natalensisresembles A. paulensis Mello-Leitão, 1923 and A. chacoana Brèthes, 1909 in the general aspect, size, and by the morphologyof the sexual organs: male palpal bulb with embolus ending like a shell, due to the prolateral and superior keels.It can be distinguished from these two species by the less developed keels and the longer embolus. The female resemblesA. paulensis and A. chacoana by the fused base of the spermathecae and differs by the more evident lobes,projected from base. The distribution of A. natalensis is expanded to Brazilian states covering the Caatinga and theCerrado biomes.

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Acanthoscurria natalensis Chamberlin, 1917 is redescribed. The following species are considered junior synonyms of A. natalensis: A. cursor Chamberlin, 1917, A. fracta Chamberlin, 1917, A. rondoniae Mello-Leitão, 1923, A. chiracantha Mello-Leitão, 1923, and A. parahybana Mello-Leitão, 1926. All examined specimens, including the types, share the same general aspect, morphology of the sexual organs, color, and measurements. Acanthoscurria natalensis resembles A. paulensis Mello-Leitão, 1923 and A. chacoana Brèthes, 1909 in the general aspect, size, and by the morphology of the sexual organs: male palpal bulb with embolus ending like a shell, due to the prolateral and superior keels. It can be distinguished from these two species by the less developed keels and the longer embolus. The female resembles A. paulensis and A. chacoana by the fused base of the spermathecae and differs by the more evident lobes, projected from base. The distribution of A. natalensis is expanded to Brazilian states covering the Caatinga and the Cerrado biomes.

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Six mygalomorph spiders species belonging to two families, were collected in the Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Natureza Pró-Mata, São Francisco de Paula, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Five of those species, five are new. Microstigmatidae: Xenonemesia araucaria sp. nov., males differ from those of X. platensis Goloboff, 1988 and X. otti Indicatti, Lucas & Brescovit, 2007 by the curved and very long embolus in the male palp. Females differ from the remaining species of the genus in the seminal receptacle very long and sinuous or twisted. Nemesiidae: Acanthogonatus ericae sp. nov. - males resemble those of A. tacuariensis (Pérez-Miles & Capocasale, 1982) and A. quilocura Goloboff, 1995 by the serrated, curved and long embolus but are distinguished by the presence of a flange on the apex of the embolus. Females differ from the remaining Acanthogonatus by the short copulatory ducts, arising from the apex of the basal dome. Stenoterommata arnolisei sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining species of the genus by the large sub-apical area of bulb, with a great number of keels, extending to the median region in the male palp and by the long copulatory ducts and spermathecae arising from internal border of basal dome in the female genitalia. S. grimpa sp. nov.: males resemble those of S. arnolisei sp. nov. by the shape of the palpal bulb and by the short embolus, but differ in the keels, restricted to the apical region. Females differ from remaining.

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The original description of this species was based on a single female and no illustrations of reproductive organs were presented. After we collected several specimens identified as I. seladonium, we decided to redescribe this species and discovered that the male, previously described as belonging to this species, was misidentified by MELLO LEITÃO (1923). Thus, in this paper the male of I. seladonium is newly described and the reproductive organs of male and female are described and illustrated in detail. Notes on the behavior and natural history of I. seladonium are presented based on the observation of live specimens in the field and in captivity. An immature of I. seladonium was observed constructing a hinged retreat with silk and little pieces of bark, a behavior not previously seen for other Aviculariinae. Two courtship events were observed and photographed, leg tapping and palpal drumming of the male on female's body and dorsum-ventral movements of the female's abdomen while the male was inserting the embolus were documented to Aviculariinae for the first time. The courtships and mating lasted almost two minutes.

A descrição original desta espécie foi baseada numa única fêmea e nenhuma ilustração de seus órgãos reprodutivos foi apresentada. Após coletarmos alguns espécimes identificados como I. seladonium, decidimos redescrever esta espécie e descobrimos que o macho descrito por Mello-Leitão (1923) havia sido erroneamente identificado como pertencente a esta espécie. Assim, neste artigo, é descrito pela primeira vez, o macho de I. seladonium e pela primeira vez as genitálias do macho e da fêmea são detalhadamente ilustradas. Notas sobre o comportamento e a história natural de I. seladonium são apresentadas baseadas em dados de animais vivos observados no campo e em cativeiro. Foi observado um imaturo de I. seladonium construindo um abrigo convexo com pequenos pedaços de casca de árvore, comportamento desconhecido em Aviculariinae. Duas cortes foram observadas e fotografadas. Os comportamentos de tamborilar com as pernas; tamborilar com os pedipalpos do macho sobre o corpo da fêmea; e movimentos dorso-ventrais, do abdômen da fêmea, durante a inserção do êmbolo, são registrados pela primeira vez em Aviculariinae. O tempo médio de duração da corte e da cópula foi de aproximadamente dois minutos.

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Two peptides with kinin-like biological properties were isolated by chromatography on a Sephadex G-10 column followed by high-performance liquid chromatography, from the venom of the spider Scaptocosa raptoria. The isolated peptides (peptide-S and peptide-R) were shown to cause contraction on the isolated guinea-pig ileum at amounts equivalent to those shown by bradykinin. Both peptides relaxed the isolated rat duodenum, increased the capillary permeability, caused decreasing and biphasic effect of the arterial blood pressure in conscious rats and induced oedema in the rat paw. The peptides had activity and structural similarities to other peptides (kinin-like) isolated from venoms. The complete amino acid analysis gave peptide-S a structure with 36 amino acid residues and peptide-R 22 amino acid residues. The mol. wts were estimated to be in the range of 4000 and 2870, respectively.

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From 1966 to 1991 91 cases of bites due to mygalomorph spiders were recorded at the Hospital Vital Brazil, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil, representing less than 1% of all spider bites. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive identification of the spider involved. Envenoming is generally mild, the main symptom is local pain, and there is minor oedema and erythema. The data confirm the assumption that these nonaggressive spiders pose no health problem.

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Os autores analisaram 2757 prontuários do Hospital Vital Brazil relativos aos atendimentos feitos durante o ano de 1983. Foram encontrados 561 casos de ofidismo (20,3% dos atendimentos), 1136 casos de araneísmo (41,2%) e 390 casos de escorpionismo (14,1%). Os restantes (24,4%) foram atendimentos de picadas de abelhas, outros insetos, dermatites por taturanas etc. Dos 561 casos de ofidismo, 247 foram por Bothrops (44%), 19 por Crotalus (3,4%), 1 por Micrurus (0,2%), 294 por serpentes näo peçonhentas e/ou näo picadas (52,3%). Dos casos de ofidismo, 64,1% eram maiores de 18 anos e destes , 77% do sexo masculino. Os autores chamam a atençäo para os casos de acidentes do trabalho: 135 casos, o que representa 24% e registram acidentes ocorridos em menores de idade: 10,4%. É feita uma descriçäo das ocupaçöes mais atingidas, estando os lavradores em primeiro lugar. Foram encontrados 1136 casos de araneísmo (41,2%), 680 casos foram picados por Phoneutria (59,8%), 62 casos por Loxosceles (5,4%), 134 por Lycosa (11,9%), 35 casos por outras aranhas (3,1%) e 225 (19,8%) por araneísmo provável. Dos casos de araneísmo, 780 foram em adultos (68,7%) e destes, 459 do sexo masculino (58,8%). Foram caracterizados 131 casos de acidentes do trabalho (11,5%), sendo que 6 ocorreram em menores de idade. As atividades de maior risco foram a lavoura, o manuseio e comércio de bananas e a construçäo civil. Dos 390 casos de escorpionismo, 69,3% ocorreram em adultos e destes, 62,7% do sexo masculino. Foram caracterizados 48 casos de acidentes do trabalho, que representam 12,3%, sendo que 5 atingiram menores de idade (8,6%). A atividade de maior risco foi a construçäo civil

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Os autores analisaram 2757 prontuários do Hospital Vital Brazil relativos aos atendimentos feitos durante o ano de 1983. Foram encontrados 561 casos de ofidismo (23.3% dos atendimentos), 1136 casos de araneismo (41.2%) e 390 casos de escorpionismo (14.1%). Os restantes (24,4%) foram atendimentos de picados de abelhas, outros insetos, dermatites de taturanas, etc. Dos 561 casos de ofidismo, 247 foram por Bothrops (44%), 19 por Crotalus (3.4%), 1 por Micrurus (0.2%), 294 por serpentes näo peçonhentas e/ou näo picados (52.3%). Dos casos de ofidismo, 64.1% eram maiores de 18 anos e destes, 77% do sexo masculino. Os autores chamam a atençäo para os casos de acidentes do trabalho: 135 casos, o que representa 24% e registram acidentes ocorridos em menores de idade: 10.4%. É feita uma descriçäo das ocupaçöes mais atingidas, estando os lavradores em primeiro lugar. Foram encontrados 1136 casos de araneismo (41.2%), 680 casos foram picados por Phoneutria (59.8%), 62 casos por Loxosceles (5.4%), 134 por Lycosa (11.9%), 35 casos por outras aranhas (3.08%) e 225 (19.8%) por araneismos provavel. Dos casos de araneismo, 780 foram em adultos (68.7%) e destes, 459 do sexo masculino (58.8%). Foram caracterizados 131 casos de acidentes do trabalho (11.5%), sendo que 6 ocorreram em menores de idade. As atividades de maior risco foram a lavoura, o manuseio e comercio de bananas e a construçäo civil. Dos 390 casos de escorpionismo, 69.3% ocorreram em adultos e destes, 62.7% do sexo masculino. Foram caracterizados 48 casos de acidentes do trabalho, que representam 12.3%, sendo que 5 atingiram menores de idade (8.6%). A atividade de maior risco foi a construçäo civil

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