Influencia de la temperatura y agentes de control biológico sobre Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Meta-analysis were carried out to corroborate the favorable temperature range for Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer), associate it with the conditions that favored its development, and indicate control measures against the possible introduction and spread of the vector. By a polynomial model it was demonstrated that the life cycle duration of B cockerelli is minimal at 25.28°C and increases slightly above 30°C. The insect life cycle takes place significantly faster on Solanum tuberosum L than on Solanum lycopersicum L. Strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, the predators Chrysoperla carnea and Dicyphus hesperus, and the parasitoid Tamarixia triozae were identified as possible biological control agents. The use of insecticides showed a similar control to the use of biological pesticides, and abamectina was identified as highly selective by lowering B cockerelli populations without reducing the action of the predator C. carnea. The favorable temperatures for the pest are shown by the study as an indicator to move away the crop development dates from periods of temperature between 25 and 30°C. Biological control agents were identified in case of introduction and/or spread of the insect.Se realizaron meta-análisis dirigidos a corroborar el rango de temperatura favorable para Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer), asociarlo a las condiciones que han propiciado su desarrollo e indicar medidas de control ante la posible introducción y propagación del vector. Mediante un modelo polinomial, se demostró que, a los 25-28°C, la duración del ciclo biológico de B. cockerelli es mínima y presenta un ligero incremento cuando se superan los 30°C. El ciclo biológico del insecto trascurre significativamente más rápido sobre Solanum tuberosum L. en comparación a cuando tiene a Solanum lycopersicum L. como hospedante. Se identificaron, como posibles agentes de control biológico, cepas de los hongos entomopatógenos Beauveria bassiana y Metarhizium anisopliae, los depradodores Chrysoperla carnea y Dicyphus hesperus, y el parasitoide Tamarixia triozae. El uso de insecticidas mostró un control similar al uso de biológicos y la abamectina se identificó como altamente selectivo, al bajar las poblaciones de B. cockerelli sin disminuir la acción del depredador C. carnea. El estudio reveló las temperaturas favorables a la plaga, como indicativo para alejar las fechas de desarrollo del cultivo de periodos de temperatura entre los 25 y 30°C. Se identificaron agentes de control en caso de introducción y/o propagación del insecto

Modelado espacial de la dispersión de Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) en Phaseolus vulgaris

With the objective of providing information for monitoring the bean flower thrip (Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall), a study of their spatial pattern was carried out using geo-statistical techniques. Nine samples were taken weekly from a 0,75 ha plot in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque province, Cuba, during the October-December 2020 campaign. The population of nymphs and adults of thrips was counted in 25 sampling points placed equidistant 0,6 meters on each diagonal. To determine the spatial distribution, semivariograms were performed by sampling and extrapolating by kriging. Predictive maps were made to identify foci with the largest population and the best time to take control measures. The structural analysis showed that the spherical model offered the best fit and the spatial dependence of the points was high in almost all samples. The insect showed an aggregated distribution pattern and the population foci, identified as key points to carry out the application of natural control or other management measures, were concentrated in the center of the field.Con el objetivo de aportar información para el monitoreo del trips de las flores del frijol (Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall), se realizó un estudio de su disposición espacial mediante técnicas geoestadísticas. En la campaña octubre-diciembre de 2020, en una parcela de 0,75 hectáreas situada en San José de las Lajas, provincia Mayabeque, Cuba, se realizaron nueve muestreos con frecuencia semanal. Se situaron 25 puntos de muestreo en cada diagonal, de manera equidistante, a 0,6 metros, donde se contó la población de ninfas y adultos de trips. Para determinar la distribución espacial se realizaron semivariogramas por muestreo y extrapolación por kriging. Se realizaron mapas predictivos para identificar los focos de mayor población y el mejor momento para tomar medidas de control/manejo. El análisis estructural demostró que el modelo esférico ofreció el mejor ajuste y la dependencia espacial de los puntos fue alta en casi todos los muestreos. El patrón de distribución del insecto fue agregado; los focos poblaciones se concentraron en el centro del campo, identificados como puntos clave para realizar la aplicación de biorreguladores u otras medidas de manejo

Selección de trampas para la captura de Cosmopolites sordidus Germar y Metamasius hemipterus L. competencia interespecífica

The objectives of this study was to define the potentialities of pseudostem traps to monitor Cosmopolites sordidus Germar and Metamasius hemipterus L. on Musa spp. and determine the existence or not of interspecific competition between both species of weevils. The insects were collected in fields of ‘FHIA 25’ and 'Yangambi Km 5' with two types of traps, the wedge (TTC) and the modified disk (TDM), for a total of 10 traps per field (5 of each). At 14, 21, and 28 days, the weevils per trap were counted and removed for later identification, repeating this procedure after the renewal of the traps. The population densities in each type of trap, variety, and time of evaluation were compared by a bifactorial analysis of variance, the means were contrasted using Duncan's test for p <0.05, the Lotka-Volterra model was used. Adults of both species (C. sordidus and M. hemipterus) were captured in the two cultivars, with C. sordidus with the largest population. TDM captured more weevils in the cultivar ‘FHIA 25’; however, in the field of ‘Yangambi Km 5’, both types of traps showed similar effectiveness. Inter-specific competition occurred in the cultivar ‘FHIA 25’, with a displacement of one of the species by the other one, being observed a decrease in the number of individuals of C. sordidus and an increase in the population of M. hemipterus. However, in the variety ‘Yangambi Km 5’, both species of weevils coexisted. The traps of the TDM-type are proposed in plantain/banana cultivars to obtain higher captures.Los objetivos de este estudio fueron definir potencialidades de trampas de pseudotallo para monitorear Cosmopolites sordidus Germar y Metamasius hemipterus L. en Musa spp. y determinar la existencia o no de competencia interespecífica entre ambas especies de picudos. Los insectos se recolectaron en campos de ‘FHIA 25’ y ‘Yangambi Km 5’ con dos tipos de trampas, la de cuña (TTC) y de disco modificado (TDM), para un total de 10 trampas por campo (cinco de cada una). Se cuantificó el número de picudos por trampas a los 14, 21 y 28 días; se retiraron para su posterior identificación y el procedimiento se repitió luego de la renovación de las trampas. Las densidades poblacionales en cada tipo de trampa, variedad y momento de evaluación se compararon mediante un Análisis de varianza bifactorial; las medias se contrastaron mediante prueba de Duncan para p<0,05, a fin de identificar el cultivar más afectado y la trampa de mayor captura. Para determinar la existencia de competencia interespecífica entre ambas especies de picudos, se utilizó el modelo de LotkaVolterra. Se capturaron adultos de ambas especies (C. sordidus y M. hemipterus) en los dos cultivares, aunque C. sordidus fue el de mayor población. La TDM capturó más picudos en el cultivar ‘FHIA 25’; no obstante, para ‘Yangambi Km 5’ TTC y TDM presentaron similar efectividad. En el cultivar ‘FHIA 25’, se produjo competencia interespecífica: se observó un desplazamiento de una especie por otra, con la disminución en el número de individuos de C. sordidus y un incremento de la población M. hemipterus. Sin embargo, en el cultivar ‘Yangambi Km 5’ ambas especies de picudos coexistieron. Se propone utilizar las trampas de tipo TDM en cultivares de plátanos/bananos, para obtener mayores capturas

Clinical Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexican Patients with Thoracic Malignancies

BACKGROUND: Accumulated evidence indicates that patients with lung cancer are a vulnerable population throughout the pandemic. Limited information is available in Latin America regarding the impact of the pandemic on medical care. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical and social effect of COVID-19 on patients with thoracic cancer and to ascertain outcomes in those with a confirmed diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort study included patients with thoracic neoplasms within a single institution between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. All variables of interest were extracted from electronic medical records. During this period, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-2) was applied to evaluate and identify more common psychological disorders. RESULTS: The mean age for the total cohort (n = 548) was 61.5 ± 12.9 years; non-small cell lung cancer was the most frequent neoplasm (86.9%), advanced stages predominated (80%), and most patients were under active therapy (82.8%). Any change in treatment was reported in 23.9% of patients, of which 78.6% were due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment delays (≥7 days) were the most frequent modifications in 41.9% of cases, followed by treatment suspension at 37.4%. Patients without treatment changes had a more prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.21, p < .001 and HR 0.28, p < .001, respectively). The mean DASS-21 score was 10.45 in 144 evaluated patients, with women being more affected than men (11.41 vs. 9.08, p < .001). Anxiety was reported in 30.5% of cases, followed by depression and distress in equal proportions (18%). Depressed and stressed patients had higher odds of experiencing delays in treatment than patients without depression (odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–13.23, p = .006 and OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.2–10.06, p = .006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Treatment adjustments in patients with thoracic malignancies often occurred to avoid COVID-19 contagion with detrimental effects on survival. Psychological disorders could have a role in adherence to the original treatment regimen

Influencia de variables climáticas sobre la fluctuación poblacional de thrips (Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall) en frijol

The bean thrips Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall (Thripidae: Thysanoptera) recently became an important pest for legume crops in Cuba. The objective of the work was to determine the influence of the climate and crop phenology on the population density of M. usitatus. From September to December 2020, the common bean cv. Triunfo 70 was sampled weekly in a 0,70 ha area belonging to the National Center for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA), San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque province. The collected specimens were preserved in 70 % alcohol for later identification at the Entomology-Acarology laboratory; in addition, the thrips were counted per plant and recorded. With the data obtained and the climatic variable records, a correlation was made to know the influence of the climate on the insect populations. Thrips populations were present from the appearance of the first trifoliate leaves until the end of the crop cycle, with a population peak in the pod filling stage. This peak coincided with the lowest relative humidity values and the decrease of wind speed. Megalurothrips usitatus resulted the species of thrips with the highest presence in the common bean crop during the period studied.El trips del frijol Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall (Thripidae: Thysanoptera) se convirtió, recientemente, en una plaga de importancia para los cultivos de leguminosas en Cuba. Con el objetivo de conocer la influencia del clima y la fenología del cultivo sobre la densidad de las poblaciones de M. usitatus, durante el periodo septiembre-diciembre de 2020, se realizaron muestreos semanales en 0,70 ha de frijol cv. Triunfo 70, perteneciente al área agrícola del Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CENSA), ubicado en San José de las Lajas, provincia Mayabeque. Las muestras se conservaron para su posterior identificación en el laboratorio de Entomología-Acarología; además, se registró y contabilizó el número de trips presentes en cada planta. A partir de los datos obtenidos y los registros de variables climáticas, se realizó una correlación para conocer la influencia del clima sobre las poblaciones del insecto. Las poblaciones de trips estuvieron presentes desde la aparición de las primeras hojas trifoliadas y hasta el final del ciclo del cultivo, con un pico poblacional en la etapa de llenado de vainas. Este pico coincidió con los menores valores de humedad relativa y la disminución de la velocidad del viento. Megalurothrips usitatus resultó ser la especie de trips con mayor presencia en el cultivo del frijol durante el periodo estudiado

VAMOS: a Pathfinder for the HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory

VAMOS was a prototype detector built in 2011 at an altitude of 4100m a.s.l. in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The aim of VAMOS was to finalize the design, construction techniques and data acquisition system of the HAWC observatory. HAWC is an air-shower array currently under construction at the same site of VAMOS with the purpose to study the TeV sky. The VAMOS setup included six water Cherenkov detectors and two different data acquisition systems. It was in operation between October 2011 and May 2012 with an average live time of 30%. Besides the scientific verification purposes, the eight months of data were used to obtain the results presented in this paper: the detector response to the Forbush decrease of March 2012, and the analysis of possible emission, at energies above 30 GeV, for long gamma-ray bursts GRB111016B and GRB120328B.Comment: Accepted for pubblication in Astroparticle Physics Journal (20 pages, 10 figures). Corresponding authors: A.Marinelli and D.Zaboro

Forest and woodland replacement patterns following drought-related mortality

Forest vulnerability to drought is expected to increase under anthropogenic climate change, and drought-induced mortality and community dynamics following drought have major ecological and societal impacts. Here, we show that tree mortality concomitant with drought has led to short-term (mean 5 y, range 1 to 23 y after mortality) vegetation-type conversion in multiple biomes across the world (131 sites). Self-replacement of the dominant tree species was only prevalent in 21% of the examined cases and forests and woodlands shifted to nonwoody vegetation in 10% of them. The ultimate temporal persistence of such changes remains unknown but, given the key role of biological legacies in long-term ecological succession, this emerging picture of postdrought ecological trajectories highlights the potential for major ecosystem reorganization in the coming decades. Community changes were less pronounced under wetter postmortality conditions. Replacement was also influenced by management intensity, and postdrought shrub dominance was higher when pathogens acted as codrivers of tree mortality. Early change in community composition indicates that forests dominated by mesic species generally shifted toward more xeric communities, with replacing tree and shrub species exhibiting drier bioclimatic optima and distribution ranges. However, shifts toward more mesic communities also occurred and multiple pathways of forest replacement were observed for some species. Drought characteristics, species-specific environmental preferences, plant traits, and ecosystem legacies govern post drought species turnover and subsequent ecological trajectories, with potential far-reaching implications for forest biodiversity and ecosystem services.Peer reviewe

Search for squarks and gluinos in events with isolated leptons, jets and missing transverse momentum at s√=8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The results of a search for supersymmetry in final states containing at least one isolated lepton (electron or muon), jets and large missing transverse momentum with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider are reported. The search is based on proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy s√=8 TeV collected in 2012, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20 fb−1. No significant excess above the Standard Model expectation is observed. Limits are set on supersymmetric particle masses for various supersymmetric models. Depending on the model, the search excludes gluino masses up to 1.32 TeV and squark masses up to 840 GeV. Limits are also set on the parameters of a minimal universal extra dimension model, excluding a compactification radius of 1/R c = 950 GeV for a cut-off scale times radius (ΛR c) of approximately 30

Evidence for the Higgs-boson Yukawa coupling to tau leptons with the ATLAS detector

Results of a search for H → τ τ decays are presented, based on the full set of proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC during 2011 and 2012. The data correspond to integrated luminosities of 4.5 fb−1 and 20.3 fb−1 at centre-of-mass energies of √s = 7 TeV and √s = 8 TeV respectively. All combinations of leptonic (τ → `νν¯ with ` = e, µ) and hadronic (τ → hadrons ν) tau decays are considered. An excess of events over the expected background from other Standard Model processes is found with an observed (expected) significance of 4.5 (3.4) standard deviations. This excess provides evidence for the direct coupling of the recently discovered Higgs boson to fermions. The measured signal strength, normalised to the Standard Model expectation, of µ = 1.43 +0.43 −0.37 is consistent with the predicted Yukawa coupling strength in the Standard Model

Measurements of fiducial and differential cross sections for Higgs boson production in the diphoton decay channel at s√=8 TeV with ATLAS

Measurements of fiducial and differential cross sections are presented for Higgs boson production in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of s√=8 TeV. The analysis is performed in the H → γγ decay channel using 20.3 fb−1 of data recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The signal is extracted using a fit to the diphoton invariant mass spectrum assuming that the width of the resonance is much smaller than the experimental resolution. The signal yields are corrected for the effects of detector inefficiency and resolution. The pp → H → γγ fiducial cross section is measured to be 43.2 ±9.4(stat.) − 2.9 + 3.2 (syst.) ±1.2(lumi)fb for a Higgs boson of mass 125.4GeV decaying to two isolated photons that have transverse momentum greater than 35% and 25% of the diphoton invariant mass and each with absolute pseudorapidity less than 2.37. Four additional fiducial cross sections and two cross-section limits are presented in phase space regions that test the theoretical modelling of different Higgs boson production mechanisms, or are sensitive to physics beyond the Standard Model. Differential cross sections are also presented, as a function of variables related to the diphoton kinematics and the jet activity produced in the Higgs boson events. The observed spectra are statistically limited but broadly in line with the theoretical expectations