244 research outputs found

    Expression in Escherichia coli, purification, refolding and antifungal activity of an osmotin from Solanum nigrum.

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    Influence of socio-economic, demographic and climate factors on the regional distribution of dengue in the United States and Mexico

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    Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-MBackground: This study examines the impact of climate, socio-economic and demographic factors on the incidence of dengue in regions of the United States and Mexico. We select factors shown to predict dengue at a local level and test whether the association can be generalized to the regional or state level. In addition, we assess how different indicators perform compared to per capita gross domestic product (GDP), an indicator that is commonly used to predict the future distribution of dengue. Methods: A unique spatial-temporal dataset was created by collating information from a variety of data sources to perform empirical analyses at the regional level. Relevant regions for the analysis were selected based on their receptivity and vulnerability to dengue. A conceptual framework was elaborated to guide variable selection. The relationship between the incidence of dengue and the climate, socio-economic and demographic factors was modelled via a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), which also accounted for the spatial and temporal auto-correlation. Results: The socio-economic indicator (representing household income, education of the labour force, life expectancy at birth, and housing overcrowding), as well as more extensive access to broadband are associated with a drop in the incidence of dengue; by contrast, population growth and inter-regional migration are associated with higher incidence, after taking climate into account. An ageing population is also a predictor of higher incidence, but the relationship is concave and flattens at high rates. The rate of active physicians is associated with higher incidence, most likely because of more accurate reporting. If focusing on Mexico only, results remain broadly similar, however, workforce education was a better predictor of a drop in the incidence of dengue than household income. Conclusions: Two lessons can be drawn from this study: first, while higher GDP is generally associated with a drop in the incidence of dengue, a more granular analysis reveals that the crucial factors are a rise in education (with fewer jobs in the primary sector) and better access to information or technological infrastructure. Secondly, factors that were shown to have an impact of dengue at the local level are also good predictors at the regional level. These indices may help us better understand factors responsible for the global distribution of dengue and also, given a warming climate, may help us to better predict vulnerable populations on a larger scale

    Survey of ear flies (Diptera, Ulidiiae) in maize (Zea mays L.) and a new record of Euxesta mazorca Steyskal in Brazil.

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    Survey of ear flies (Diptera, Ulidiidae) in maize (Zea mays L.) and a new record of Euxesta mazorca Steyskal in Brazil. Species of Euxesta (Diptera, Ulidiidae), known as silk flies or ear flies, are becoming increasingly important as maize insect pests in South America, although very little is known about them in Brazil. The larvae of some species of this genus initially damage female reproductive tissues, and then the developing kernels on the ear. As a result of feeding, fermentation and associated odors cause complete loss of the grain because it is no longer fit for human or livestock consumption. The main objective of th is work was to evaluate the incidence of Euxesta spp. in Brazilian maize fields and to determine the most prevalent species using two different hydrolyzed protein foods attractants, BioAnastrepha® (hydrolyzed maize protein) and Torula, placed inside McPhail traps. The two species identified were E. eluta Loew and E. mazorca Steyskal, the latter being a new record from Brazil. Between the two species, E. eluta was the more abundant in maize fields. Both attractants were efficient in capturing the two species. However, BioAnastrepha® captured significantly more insects than Torula. Levantamento de mosca-da-espiga (Diptera: Ulidiidae) em milho (Zea mays L.) e primeiro relato de ocorrência de Euxesta mazorca Steyskal no Brasil. Espécies de Euxesta (Diptera, Ulidiidae), conhecidas como moscas do cabelo ou moscas da espiga estão aumentando em importância nas culturas de milho em diferentes países, embora muito pouco se conheça sobre elas no Brasil. As larvas das espécies representativas de Ulidiidae inicialmente danificam a parte reprodutiva feminina da planta e depois os grãos em desenvolvimento. Como resultado da alimentação das larvas ocorre fermentação e odor forte tornando a espiga inapropriada para o consumo humano ou animal. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incidência de espécies de Euxesta em áreas de produção de milho e identificar as espécies predominantes usando dois atraentes alimentares diferentes à base de proteínas hidrolisáveis, BioAnastrepha® (proteína hidrolisável de milho) e Torula, colocados no interior de armadilha McPhail. As duas espécies identificadas foram E. eluta Loew and E. mazorca Steyskal, registrada pela primeira vez no Brasil. Entre as espécies, E. eluta foi predominante no milho. Ambos os atraentes foram eficientes na captura das duas espécies. No entanto, as armadilhas com BioAnastrepha® capturaram significativamente mais insetos do que aquelas com Torula
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