Sublethal effect of chlorpyriphos and fenpropathrin on functional response of Habrobracon hebetor (Hym.: Braconidae)

One of the criteria for selecting a suitable natural enemy is its functional response to different densities of the host. Habrobracon hebetor (Say) is a larval ectoparasitoid of several species of lepidopteran. Functional response of H. hebetor, after treatment with LC₂₅ of chlorpyrifos and fenpropathrin in three stages, was assessed to different densities of fifth instar of Ephestia kuehniella (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64). LC₂₅ values were estimated to be 0.043, 5.36 and 2.00 and 0.38, 13.9 and 4.45?mg a.i. l^?1 for the larval, pupal and adult stages for chlorpyrifos and fenpropathrin, respectively. Host densities were offered to treated wasps for 24?h. Experiments were replicated 10 times. The results showed that the functional responses of wasps in control as well as immature stages treatments were Type III, whereas those of adult stage were Type II. a (Type II) or b (Type III) and T_h parameters were evaluated with Roger’s equation. b and T_h in control were assessed to be 0.0129 and 0.1723?h, respectively. These parameters were estimated in chlorpyrifos and fenpropathrin to be 0.0052, 0.00718 and 0.1945, 0.2492?h in larval stage; 0.00817, 0.00916 and 0.2736, 0.3108?h in pupal stage; and a and T_h were 0.0064, 0.0137?h^?1 and 0.2492, 0.2242?h in the adult stage, respectively. The insecticide had no significant effect on the searching efficiency of H. hebetor compared with those treated in control; however, they had significant effect on the handling time of the parasitoid and increased it, except in the larval stage treated with chlorpyrifos treatment.     

Effects of pupal treatment with Proteus® and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato on functional response of Habrobracon hebetor parasitising Helicoverpa armigera in an enclosed experiment system

The ectoparasitoid wasp, Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a valuable biocontrol agent attacking larval stages of many lepidopteran pests including Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The possibility of combined application of this parasitoid wasp with other biological control agents and chemical insecticides is necessary for the success of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme. One of the most important behaviours of a parasitoid refers to the number of hosts attacked by per parasitoid as a function of host density. In this research, the single and joint effects of the insecticide, Proteus® and the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (Metsch.) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (isolate M14) were studied on the functional response of H. hebetor. Newly mated females (<24?h) from treated pupae of H. hebetor were used to study the functional response of this parasitoid wasp to different densities of H. armigera larvae. A type II functional response was observed in all treatments. The results revealed that control and Proteus® treatments developed the lowest (0.5599?±?0.0373?h) and the highest (0.5709?±?0.0443?h) handling time, respectively. The most and the least values of attack rate were observed in control (0.0996?±?0.0164?h^?1) and Proteus® (0.0776?±?0.0119?h^?1) treatments, respectively. The maximum theoretical parasitism rate (T/T_h) was estimated to be 42.86 for female control wasps. After conducting field experiments on functional response along with life table parameters, M. anisopliae sensu lato (isolate M14) may be used as a compatible biocontrol agent with H. hebetor in IPM programmes of H. armigera.     

Functional Response of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to Sugarcane Whitefly Aleurolobus barodensis (Maskell) in Laboratory Conditions

A functional response study of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) larvae to different densities of sugar cane whitefly Aleurolobus barodensis (Maskell) was conducted in test tubes at 26?±?2 °C, 65?±?5 % RH. Chrysoperla carnea showed two different types of functional response in larval instars. First instar exhibits type II. However, second and third larval instars revealed type III functional response. Based on modified Holling’s disk equation, the highest searching rates (a) of 0.82?±?0.0247 h^?1 was found for first instar larva. For second and third larval instars, the attack coefficient (b) were 0.002?±?0.030 and 0.0025?±?0.0424 respectively. The shortest handling time (T_h) per prey was observed at third instar stage (1.574?±?0.0568 h) followed by second and first instar with 1.72?±?0.0411 h and 1.919?±?0.0568 h respectively.     

Comparative study of the population level effects of carbaryl and abamectin on larval ectoparasitoid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Habrobracon hebetor</Emphasis> Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Habrobracon hebetor Say is one of the most important ectoparasitoids of the larval stage of many invasive agricultural pests such as noctuid and pyralid moths. Lethal and sublethal effects of carbaryl and abamectin were assessed on the ectoparasitoid H. hebetor in laboratory conditions. Dose–response bioassays were carried out on immature and adult stages by using dipping and contact residue methods, respectively. LC₅₀ (lethal concentration for 50%) values of carbaryl and abamectin were 31.19 and 4.16 mg a.i. l⁻¹ on larval stage and 12.6 and 4.42 mg a.i. l⁻¹ on adults, respectively. In order to assess the sublethal effects, adult wasps were exposed to an LC₃₀ of each insecticide and then the demographic parameters of live wasps were studied. The results showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m ), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R₀) and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were significantly affected by the insecticides. The highest and the lowest r _m values were 0.23 and 0.17 in control and carbaryl-treated insects, respectively. The sex ratio of H. hebetor offspring was not significantly affected by either insecticide. The results showed that carbaryl had more adverse effects on population parameters of the parasitoid compared to abamectin. Field studies are needed to determine the total effects of the pesticides on H. hebetor.     

Effects of traditional insecticides on Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): bioassay and life-table assays

The lethal and sublethal effects of the insecticides chlorpyriphos and fenpropathrine, which are overused in tomato production, were evaluated on the larval, pupal and adult stages of the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor in the laboratory. Dose-response bioassays were carried out on immature and adult stages by using dipping and contact residue methods, respectively. The LC₅₀ of chlorpyriphos varied from 40 to 2000 times less than the recommended field rate and 10–100 times less for fenpropathrine treatments on the different life-history stages. To assess the sublethal effects, all life-history stages were exposed to LC₂₅ equivalent concentration of each insecticide and the demographic parameters of surviving parasitoids were studied. In LC₂₅ tests on adult stage, mean longevity and fecundity showed significant differences between chlorpyriphos (15.93?±?1.37 d and 128.20?±?20.20 eggs) and fenpropathrine (12.76?±?0.78 d and 124.00?±?12.27 eggs) as compared with the control (20.41?±?0.72 d and 281.00?±?12.95 eggs). In addition, net reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of increase indicated significant differences between chlorpyriphos (22.89?±?6.43 and 0.19?±?0.02) and fenpropathrine (14.44?±?3.58 and 0.17?±?0.02) as compared with the control (55.55?±?12.54 and 0.24?±?0.02). Briefly, we can conclude that both insecticides had negative effects on H. hebetor. However, the negative effect of fenpropathrine on r_m was higher than that of chlorpyriphos. In conclusion, field studies are recommended to determine the total effects of these insecticides on H. hebetor.     

Sublethal toxicity of two insect growth regulators on Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) under laboratory conditions

The sublethal effects of lufenuron and lufenuron?+?fenoxycarb were tested on the adult stage of the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor under laboratory conditions. Bioassay tests were carried out in the incubator at a temperature of 26?±?1?°C, relative humidity of 65?±?10% and photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D). Exposure cages were used for the experiments. Tests were conducted in three replications. Young female wasps were exposed to the residues of the pesticides’ sublethal concentrations (LC₂₅) after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h, and then their mortalities were recorded. Results showed that both insecticide treatments had significant differences compared to the control, but not between themselves (df?=?1, F?=?29.21, α?<?.0001). It was also revealed that the time between insecticides application and H. hebetor release would significantly affect the survival of searching parasitoids (df?=?3, F?=?237.01, α?<?.0001). In this regard, the releasing programme should be postponed for at least 24 h after using these insect growth regulators.     

Predation and functional response of the multi-coloured Asian ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis on the adult Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri

Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a vector for the citrus Huanglongbing greening disease, which can reduce crop yields. Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is known to prey on D. citri nymphs; we investigated the predation capacity and functional response of H. axyridis on adult D. citri. H. axyridis larvae exhibited Holling’s type II functional response to different densities of adult D. citri. For second, third and fourth instar H. axyridis larvae, the successful attack rates were 0.75?±?0.22, 1.06?±?0.11, and 1.04?±?0.26, respectively; the handling times were 18.08?±?5.37, 0.45?±?0.07, and 0.24?±?0.07?h, respectively; and the estimated maximum predation rates were 4, 54, and 102, respectively. Fourth instar larvae had the lowest handling time. Adult H. axyridis consumed more D. citri adults maintained at 15–20°C than at 30–35°C, with an optimal temperature of 17.28°C. More adults were consumed during the day than at night, with peak consumption between 12:00 and 14:00?h, not differing significantly differ between predator genders. Adult H. axyridis reared on the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum were tested for D. citri predation; these H. axyridis had successful attack rates, handling times, and estimated maximal predation rates of 0.66?±?0.18, 0.82?±?0.26?h, and 29, respectively. Conversely, those fed and tested on D. citri had corresponding rates of 0.99?±?0.17, 0.38?±?0.12?h, and 63, respectively. Significant H. axyridis predation on adult D. citri indicated its enhanced role in suppressing both nymph and adult D. citri.     

Effect of treating eggs of cotton bollworm with Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner on functional response of Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko

Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a cosmopolite insect pest of a wide spectrum of crops such as cotton, maize, tomato, soybean, etc. Egg parasitoids mainly Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) are biological control agents, that are used as components of sustainable and environmentally compatible IPM systems. Although Bt does not come in direct contact with egg parasitoids, it may persist within the host’s body and affect the quality of the host’s eggs via biochemical changes in their mother and possibly behaviour and potency of the parasitoids. In this study, the functional response of T. brassicae to different densities of H. armigera eggs was investigated in two sets of experiments at 26?±?1?°C, 65?±?5% RH, and 16: 8?h photoperiod. The first group was a control and the second one were eggs laid by hosts treated as 3rd instar larvae with LC₂₀ of Bt (determined as 9.8?×?10^5?IU/l of artificial diet based on a preliminary bioassay). A type III functional response was observed in both treatments with a direct density dependent mortality up to eight host eggs and an inverse one upward. Both handling time and searching efficiency were affected by Bt treatment as the handling time was increased by a factor of 1.5 and the searching efficiency was decreased by a factor of 0.6. The searching efficiencies were 0.0310?±?0.003 and 0.0182?±?0.005?h^?1, and handling times were 1.134?±?0.042 and 1.672?±?0.082?h in control and Bt treatment respectively.     

Mysid shrimp dynamics in relation to abiotic and biotic factors in the coastal lagoons of Maryland,Mid-West Atlantic,USA

The distribution and densities of two mysid species, Neomysis americana and Americamysis bahia in the coastal lagoons of Maryland were investigated using data collected monthly from March 2012 to December 2013. Mysid density was higher in the northern than southern bays in 2013 for Americamysis (P?=?0.043) and Neomysis (P?=?0.004). Neomysis americana density was inversely correlated with temperature (P?Neomysis densities (nos. m^?2?±?S.E) were negatively related to the catch-per-unit effort (CPUE?±?S.E) of fish predators (r?=??0.40, ?0.81; P?=?0.051, 0.002, respectively). Mysid density was higher in winter (March, 1.3?±?0.8 and spring, May, 1.4?±?1.3) 2012, when the CPUE of bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) was relatively low (April: 5.8?±?2.3; and May: 11.9?±?4.5, 2012), than during summer (August, 0.003?±?0.002 nos. m^?2), when fish CPUE was relatively high (191.7?±?66.5). The observed seasonal patterns of mysid and fish densities, supported by the fact that mysids comprise 53–97% by weight of the diet of some of the abundant fish species in the bays, suggests a top-down control of mysids by fish predation. However, summer high temperatures in the bays exceeded 22°C, at which juveniles of N. americana have been reported to suffer high mortality, and perhaps contributed to the lower density of mysids in the summer.     

Assessment of the functional response parameters of Coccinella septempunctata to varying densities of Acyrthosiphon pisum

The functional response of a predator describes the rate at which it kills its prey at different prey densities and is, therefore, an important tool to determine the efficiency of a predator in regulating the population dynamics of a prey. We investigated the functional response of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to varying densities of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The results revealed that the linear coefficient, P₁ in the reduced logistic model was found significantly negative for the 4^th instar larvae and adult male and female of C. septempunctata (?0.002, ?0.004 and???0.002, respectively) indicating a type II functional response. The parameter estimates of adult male, female and 4^thinstar larvae of C. septempunctata calculated through Holling's disc model revealed that the highest attack rate (a) (1.047?±?0.014), shortest handling time (T_h) (0.0984?±?0.024?h) and largest maximum capture rate (T/T_h) (243.902) was exhibited by female. Parameter estimates calculated through Rogers’s equation also showed the same sequence where maximum attack rate (a) of 0.00256?±?0.0003 was exhibited by female followed by 4^th instar larvae (0.00251?±?0.0005). The shortest handling time (T_h) (0.210?±?0.003?h) and highest maximum capture rate (T/T_h) (114.17) was also exhibited by female. Comparison of functional response curves of adult male, female and 4^th instar larvae revealed that maximum consumption of prey at all the densities offered was shown by female followed by 4^thinstar larvae. The study manifested that C. septempunctata could be an efficient biocontrol agent of pea aphid, A. pisum.     

Functional response of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on tomato leaves

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important invasive pest of vegetables and other horticultural plants worldwide. In this study, the functional response of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) to different stages of immature B. tabaci was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Predation experiments were conducted on tomato leaf discs (2.5?cm diameter) over a 24-h period at 26?±?1°C and 65?±?5% relative humidity with a L16:D8 photoperiod. The prey densities ranged from 5 to 90 immature stages (eggs and first- to fourth-instar nymphs) of B. tabaci per leaf disc. The results showed that the egg stage of B. tabaci was the most susceptible prey stage and that the mated female adult mite (3-day-old) was a more effective predator than the male adult mite. The functional response of adult N. cucumeris followed a Type II trend curve as shown in a logistic regression model. Adult N. cucumeris exhibited different predation tendencies towards prey in different stages of immaturity. The daily maximum number of eggs, first-, second- and third-instar nymphs of B. tabaci killed by a single female over a 24-h period (26?±?1°C, 65?±?5% RH and L16:D8 photoperiod) were 8.5, 5.2, 3.0 and 2.1, respectively, whereas the number killed by a single male was 6.0, 4.0, 2.3 and 1.8, respectively. The results of this study could help determine an effective B. tabaci biocontrol measure that employs a natural predator.     

Host-stage preference and functional response of aphid parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hym.: Braconidae) on greenbug,Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hem: Aphididae)

Searching capacity is of great importance in the efficiency of natural enemies. In this research, the host-stage preference and functional response of Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) to different densities of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) were determined on Pishtaz wheat leaves at 25 ± 1°C, 60–70% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). The host-stage preference was investigated by exposing 60 number of all nymphal instars and adults of greenbug to individual parasitoid females at eight replicates. Results indicated significant preference of D. rapae to second instar nymphs of S. graminum to perform functional response experiment. Densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 50, 64, 90 and 130 second instar nymphs of greenbugs were exposed to individual mated female wasps at 10 replicates for 24 h. Type of functional response was determined by logistic regression and its parameters, searching efficiency (a) and handling time (T _h), were estimated by non linear regression. The results indicated that the functional response of D. rapae was type III and values of searching efficiency, handling time and maximum rate of parasitism were calculated by two models as 0.1364 ± 0.084, 0.5761 ± 0.0179, 41.6594; 0.06489 ± 0.00652 (h^?1), 0.5628 ± 0.0173 (h) and 42.6439 (aphids/parasitoid/day), respectively.     

Effects of Palpita unionalis and Galleria mellonella larval densities on functional response,egg dispersion and progeny sex ratio of Habrobracon hebetor

To assess the potential of the hymenopteran ectoparasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor Say as a biological control agent, we evaluated its response to different larval densities of two pyralid hosts, Palpita unionalis Hbn. and Galleria mellonella L. The former host is a serious pest of olive trees, whereas the latter is used as a factitious host in parasitoid mass rearing. In order to study the functional response of the parasitoid, five host densities (1, 2, 3, 5, 7) of either late instar larva per Petri dish were used. The shape of the functional response curve was determined using logistic regression and could be described as a type II response for both hosts, characterised by a monotonic decelerating increase in the number of hosts attacked with increasing host density. Female parasitoids allocated more eggs to the first larva attacked than all the remaining larvae. Aggregated dispersion patterns for parasitoid egg distribution at different host densities were estimated using the Green index. Multiple visits and ovipositions by females did not significantly affect the total number of progeny produced or their sex ratio. This study has generated novel information on egg laying, egg distribution and sex ratio of H. hebetor when reared on G. mellonella and has the potential to be used in the development of sustainable biological control programmes aimed at P. unionalis in olive orchards.     

Role of different habitats for the functional response of Crytorrhinus lividipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

The functional response of a predator, Cyrtorrhinus lividipennis, on the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, was investigated in two different experimental habitats: a piece of tiller in a petri dish (5.5?cm in diameter) and a rice plant in a net cage (5.5?cm diameter?×?43?cm height) for 24?h at room temperature. In the petri dish experiment, 2nd–5th instar nymphs, adult male, and female C. lividipennis were introduced in separate experiments to eggs of N. lugens at densities of five, 10, 20, 30, and 40 eggs per piece of rice. In the rice plant experiment, each C. lividipennis was introduced to a cage with a rice plant containing N. lugens eggs. After 24?h, the number of dead eggs and remaining eggs were counted and data fitted to three functional response models. Among the three types of functional responses, Type II best described the predator response to host densities in N. lugens in both experimental habitats, according to the logistic regression analysis value. The results showed that C. lividipennis was a more effective predator in the rice plant experiment compared to the disc experiment. Additionally, the searching efficiency and handling time parameters were different in the two different experimental habitats. This may cause errors when applying the functional response to biological control and predator–prey models. Different habitats and other environmental conditions from the experiment and natural rice field have to be considered.     

Functional response of different stages of Hippodamia variegata (Col.: Coccinellidae) to Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on two wheat cultivars

As one of the most important natural enemies of aphids, lady beetles have been widely used for the control of pest aphids. Important to the efficiency of natural enemies is their functional response to varying prey densities. In this study, the functional response of Hippodamia variegata Goeze (Col.: Coccienllidae) to different densities of Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko was examined on two wheat cultivars with different resistance levels under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH and 16:8 L:D photoperiod). Our results revealed that all stages of H. variegata exhibited a type II functional response, in that predation decreased with increasing prey density. Searching efficiency (a) and handling time (T_h) of third instar larvae on the Sardari cultivar were 0.0285/h and 0.0079 h, while for fourth instar larvae these values were 0.0561/h and 1 × 10^?8 h, for males these values were 0.0412/h and 0.0173 h and for females were 0.059/h and 0.0168 h. The corresponding values for the back cross cultivar for third instar larvae were 0.0475/h and 0.0782 h, for fourth instar larvae were 0.0753/h and 0.0529 h, for males were 0.045/h and 0.0060 h and for females were 0.0516/h and 0.0077 h. This study demonstrated that these wheat cultivars do not have a significant effect on the functional response parameters of H. variegata life stages, except for the searching efficiency of third instar larvae and the handling time of male adults. The possible application of this species against Russian wheat aphids in an integrated pest management programme is also discussed.     

Toxicity of abamectin and imidacloprid on different life stages of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) reared on two different host plants under greenhouse conditions

Chemical application is the common control technique of the pest Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hom.: Aleyrodidae). Toxicity of two insecticides abamectin and imidacloprid in 2009 was evaluated on different life stages of the pest. Bioassay tests were carried out under controlled environmental conditions (25?±?2?°C 50?±?5% RH and a photoperiod of 18:6 L/D) on different stages of whitefly (1-,3- and 5-day-old ages of eggs, first, second and third nymphal instars, pupa and adult). Both insecticides showed their best efficacy on the primary stages; though, with increasing the age, the susceptibility of all stages to chemicals was decreased. It was shown that sensitivity of eggs and first nymphal stage to abamectin in each host was different. But in imidacloprid treatment, only the eggs showed different sensitivity on both host plants. It seems that application of abamectin in primary stages induce higher mortality rates than of imidacloprid.     

Plasma microRNAs are associated with acute exacerbation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) has high short-term mortality with unknown causes. To predict this malignant condition in clinics is challenging. In this study, we aim to demonstrate whether there are miRNAs that differ between AE-IPF and stable IPF, which may be served as reliable biomarker for AE-IPF prediction.

Methods

Human fibrotic-associated miRNAs arrays were designed to detect miRNAs expression in plasma of 3 AE-IPF patients, 3 Stable-IPF (S-IPF) patients and 3 normal controls (NC). Differentially expressed miRNAs between AE-IPF and S-IPF patients were selected for further analyses. The validation studies were carried out in plasma of 12 AE-IPF patients, 45 S-IPF patients and 51 healthy control subjects. Signaling pathways and cellular processes interacted with validated miRNAs were predicted by DIANA-miRPath.

Results

According to the array analysis, 6 miRNAs showed differentiated expression between AE-IPF and S-IPF patients (P?<?0.05). In the validation studies, let-7d-5p was decreased in S-IPF and further decreased in AE-IPF, when compared to NC (0.0003?±?0.0002 vs 0.003?±?0.002, P?<?0.01 and 0.0007?±?0.0005 vs 0.003?±?0.002, P?<?0.01). While miR-25-3p was obviously decreased in S-IPF (0.0002?±?0.0001 vs 0.0003?±?0.0003, P?<?0.01) but significantly increased in AE-IP (0.0023?±?0.002 vs 0.0003?±?0.0003, P?<?0.01). In receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of miR-25-3p and let-7d-5p were 0.83 and 0.75, respectively. The sensitivity at fixed specificity of 90% was improved from 50% to 66.7% when the two miRNAs were combined. The functional prediction of miRNAs suggested that the loss of anti-fibrotic capacity and the gain of uncontrolled cell growth may be required in AE-IPF pathogenesis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, miR-25-3p and let-7d-5p in plasma were differentially expressed between AE-IPF and S-IPF. A combination of these two miRNAs may be a potential biomarker for AE-IPF from IPF.

     

Increases in serum concentration of human heart-type fatty acid-binding protein following elective coronary intervention

Background: Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is considered a marker of myocardial necrosis but whether or not it is modified by myocardial ischemia is not clear. We sought to investigate if H-FABP serum levels increase following non-urgent coronary angioplasty.

Methods: We studied 31 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Peripheral venous samples were drawn immediately before angioplasty, 1?h after the first balloon inflation and 24?h after the procedure and assayed for H-FABP.

Results: Serum levels of H-FABP increased significantly at 1?h vs baseline from 2554?±?1268 to 3322?±?245?pg?ml^?1 (p?=?0.024). However, no differences were observed between 1?h and 24?h after angioplasty (3268?±?1861 vs 3322?±?2459?pg ml^?1, p?=?0.87). Moreover, no significant difference was observed when we compared 24?h after angioplasty with the baseline (3268?±?1861vs 2554?±?1268?pg ml^?1, p?=?0.112).

Conclusions: We conclude that H-FABP significantly increases after elective coronary angioplasty at 1?h compared with baseline values; whether or not this has any prognostic significance for future events, as it occurs with troponins, needs to be studied further.     

Life table of Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Acari: Laelapidae) feeding on larvae of Lycoriella auripila (Diptera: Sciaridae) with stage-specific estimates of consumption

Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini, 1883) is a soil-dwelling predatory mite with potential for use as a biological control agent of fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) in mushroom production. The life table, predation rate and population growth rate of G. aculeifer on a diet of larvae of the sciarid fly, Lycoriella auripila, at 23?±?1°C, 60?±?5% RH and a photoperiod of 0:24 (L:D)?h was investigated. The results revealed that the duration of egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, females and males of G. aculeifer were 3.8?±?0.1, 1.4?±?0.1, 3.9?±?0.1, 4.1?±?0.1, 67.7?±?2.8 and 60.3?±?3.1 days, respectively. Net reproductive rate (R₀) was 54.8?±?7.1 offspring, intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.12?±?0.01 offspring day^?1, finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.13?±?0.01 day^?1and mean generation time (T) was 32.3?±?0.6 days. The predator consumed a mean of 0.08?±?0.05, 1.73?±?0.18, 3.16?±?0.28 and 75.9?±?7.1 third instar L. auripila larvae during the larval (1.3?±?0.1 days), protonymph (3.9?±?0.1 days), deutonymph (4.1?±?0.1 days) and adult (52.6?±?2.2 days) stages. Population parameters and consumption rates suggest that G. aculeifer has good potential as a biological control agent of L. auripila in mushroom production.     

Sleep,Sleepiness, and Neurobehavioral Performance While on Watch in a Simulated 4 Hours on/8 Hours off Maritime Watch System

Seafarer sleepiness jeopardizes safety at sea and has been documented as a direct or contributing factor in many maritime accidents. This study investigates sleep, sleepiness, and neurobehavioral performance in a simulated 4?h on/8?h off watch system as well as the effects of a single free watch disturbance, simulating a condition of overtime work, resulting in 16?h of work in a row and a missed sleep opportunity. Thirty bridge officers (age 30?±?6 yrs; 29 men) participated in bridge simulator trials on an identical 1-wk voyage in the North Sea and English Channel. The three watch teams started respectively with the 00–04, the 04–08, and the 08–12 watches. Participants rated their sleepiness every hour (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale [KSS]) and carried out a 5-min psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) test at the start and end of every watch. Polysomnography (PSG) was recorded during 6 watches in the first and the second half of the week. KSS was higher during the first (mean?±?SD: 4.0?±?0.2) compared with the second (3.3?±?0.2) watch of the day (p?<?0.001). In addition, it increased with hours on watch (p?<?0.001), peaking at the end of watch (4.1?±?0.2). The free watch disturbance increased KSS profoundly (p?<?0.001): from 4.2?±?0.2 to 6.5?±?0.3. PVT reaction times were slower during the first (290?±?6?ms) compared with the second (280?±?6?ms) watch of the day (p?<?0.001) as well as at the end of the watch (289?±?6?ms) compared with the start (281?±?6?ms; p?=?0.001). The free watch disturbance increased reaction times (p?<?0.001) from 283?±?5 to 306?±?7?ms. Similar effects were observed for PVT lapses. One third of all participants slept during at least one of the PSG watches. Sleep on watch was most abundant in the team working 00–04 and it increased following the free watch disturbance. This study reveals that—within a 4?h on/8?h off shift system—subjective and objective sleepiness peak during the night and early morning watches, coinciding with a time frame in which relatively many maritime accidents occur. In addition, we showed that overtime work strongly increases sleepiness. Finally, a striking amount of participants fell asleep while on duty.