Metaparasitylenchus hypothenemi is an endoparasitic nematode of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). Its presence has been documented in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, although the influence of microclimatic and structural conditions in coffee plantations that promote its occurrence remains unknown. The objective of our study was to examine the impact of rainfall seasonality, microclimate (temperature and relative humidity), altitude, and shade tree density on the occurrence of M. hypothenemi in coffee plantations in the Soconusco region, Mexico. The presence of parasitism was monitored bi-weekly in four coffee plantations with different shade tree densities and at two different altitudes (450 and 1000 m a.s.l.), between March 2023 and June 2024. The persistence of M. hypothenemi varied between 12.5% and 81.2%, with a prevalence range of 0.1-2.7%, and a higher incidence of parasitism during the rainy season (May-October) at all four sites. Relative humidity did not exhibit a statistically significant effect on parasitism. Temperature showed a weak positive association with parasitism, whereas altitude and shade tree density were positively associated with parasitism. Sites with higher shade tree density and higher altitude showed the highest levels of parasitism. These results indicate that M. hypothenemi parasitism is associated with coffee agroecosystems characterised by high shade tree density and high altitude. This study provides evidence for the importance of shade-grown coffee in the natural control of coffee berry borer populations, in biodiversity conservation, and in the resilience of this agroecosystem.

The nematode Metaparasitylenchus hypothenemi (Poinar) (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae) is a parasite of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), one of the most significant pests affecting coffee crops. This study aimed to analyze the genetic variation of M. hypothenemi using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Reproductive females of M. hypothenemi were extracted from parasitized wild coffee berry borers for DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses revealed 2 well-differentiated lineages and 6 haplotypes distributed across 18 populations along a 100 km transect. Global genetic diversity was moderate (Hd = 0.52 ± 0.06), with a dominant haplotype present in 16 populations and others being representative or geographically isolated. Populations showed high genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow. These findings confirm the utility of the COI gene for analyzing the genetic variation of M. hypothenemi and provide a molecular basis for future studies on its biology and management.

The effect of melanization of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on their potential for the control of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) and A. aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae) were analyzed in the laboratory. Different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 300, 600, 1200, and 2400 infective juveniles per larva) of Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) were applied on third instar larvae of both species of mosquitoes. Nematodes were melanized by parasitized larvae and this led to the death of the mosquito in all cases. A higher nematode concentration resulted in an increase in the number of larvae with melanizated nematode, mosquito mortality and the mean number of melanized nematodes per larva. The LT50 was 24 h for H. bacteriophora in both mosquito species and 43 and 62 h for S. feltiae in A. aegypti and A. albopictus, respectively. H. bacteriophora was more lethal than S. feltiae and A. aegypti was more susceptible than A. albopictus to both nematode species. Mosquito mortality mainly occurred in the larval stage (96.7

Severe COVID-19 is associated with a systemic inflammatory response and progressive CD4+ T-cell lymphopenia and dysfunction. We evaluated whether platelets might contribute to CD4+ T-cell dysfunction in COVID-19. We observed a high frequency of CD4+ T cell-platelet aggregates in COVID-19 inpatients that inversely correlated with lymphocyte counts. Platelets from COVID-19 inpatients but not from healthy donors (HD) inhibited the upregulation of CD25 expression and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production by CD4+ T cells. In addition, interferon (IFN)-γ production was increased by platelets from HD but not from COVID-19 inpatients. A high expression of PD-L1 was found in platelets from COVID-19 patients to be inversely correlated with IFN-γ production by activated CD4+ T cells cocultured with platelets. We also found that a PD-L1-blocking antibody significantly restored platelets' ability to stimulate IFN-γ production by CD4+ T cells. Our study suggests that platelets might contribute to disease progression in COVID-19 not only by promoting thrombotic and inflammatory events, but also by affecting CD4+ T cells functionality.

ABSTRACT We analysed the impact of Anagyrus kamali on the survival and development of Ferrisia virgata, three stages (second and third-instar nymphs, and adult females) and five densities (1, 2, 4, 8 and 16), using the same treatments in the absence of the parasitoid as a control. In each assay, a parasitoid female was confined with F. virgata for 14 ± 0.9 days. A. kamali females can reduce the survival of F. virgata, inhibiting its development. Emergence of the parasitoid progeny was inhibited in the three developmental stages of F. virgata due to high mortality in the immature stages of A. kamali.

Parasitism by Cirrhencyrtus spp. on Ferrisia virgata Cock and Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell associated with rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) crops in Mexico was reported. Parasitoids were randomly sampled in six commercial orchards where synthetic insecticide was not applied. Parasitism by Cirrhencyrtus aeoles (Noyes), Cirrhencyrtus silvia (Noyes), and Cirrhencyrtus pertius (Noyes) was recorded in 15 samples at four localities from 504 samples collected at six localities. This is the first record of these parasitoids in Mexico and new host associations.

Abstract. Parasitism by Cirrhencyrtus spp. on Ferrisia virgata Cock and Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell associated with rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) crops in Mexico was reported. Parasitoids were randomly sampled in six commercial orchards where synthetic insecticide was not applied. Parasitism by Cirrhencyrtus aeoles (Noyes), Cirrhencyrtus silvia (Noyes), and Cirrhencyrtus pertius (Noyes) was recorded in 15 samples at four localities from 504 samples collected at six localities. This is the first record of these parasitoids in Mexico and new host associations.

Egg parasitoids use different strategies than do larval parasitoids to locate hosts. The wasp Chelonus insularis Cresson is a key egg parasitoid of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), one of the main insect pests of maize (Zea mays L.). Using a Y-glass tube olfactometer, in this study we determined the roles of chemical cues from host and host habitats used by C. insularis when they search for FAW eggs. We found that C. insularis females were attracted to volatiles emitted by host egg masses, host females (i.e., sex pheromone), and maize seedlings with and without FAW eggs. The responses of the parasitoids to host and maize seedling volatiles increased after their first oviposition experience, making it possible for females to discriminate between maize seedlings with and without FAW eggs. The information generated in this study may be useful in the development of future biological control programs of S. frugiperda using C. insularis in either augmentation or conservation approaches.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the insecticide resistance status of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from Tapachula, México.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Mosquito eggs were collected with the use of ovitraps and CDC susceptibility bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted to determine resistance levels and resistance mechanisms, respectively.RESULTS:Ae. aegypti showed resistance to deltamethrin and permethrin (PYRs), malathion, chlorpyrifos and temephos (OP), and to bendiocarb (CARB), while Ae. albopictus showed resistance to malathion and to a lesser intensity to chlorypirifos, temephos, permethrin and deltamethrin. Both species showed high levels of P450 and GSTs, while levels of esterases varied by species and collection site. Altered acethilcholinesterase was detected in both species.CONCLUSIONS:In an urban habitat from Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico where vector control using insecticides takes place, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are only susceptible to propoxur.

Metaparasitylenchus hypothenemi is an endoparasitic nematode that causes partial or total sterility of coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) females, although the causes are unknown. Fecundity and the average size of the common and lateral oviduct, vitellarium, and germarium in the four ovarioles (I, II, III and IV) were compared between parasitised and non-parasitised insects to determine the causes of sterility. The nematode significantly lowers the number of oocytes and 86% of parasitised insects (24 out of 28 insects) were sterile, while fecundity in the remaining 13% was non-significantly different to that in non-parasitised insects. No significant differences were recorded in the size of the common oviduct, lateral oviduct, vitellarium, and germarium between parasitised and non-parasitised insects and the nematode does not cause any apparent damage on the surface of the ovary.

Introducción: Aunque la incidencia de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente adquirido en la comunidad (SAMR-AC) es inferior al 10%, por su elevada mortalidad debe considerarse en los pacientes graves. Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo asociados con SAMR-AC en pacientes con NAC grave. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, que analizó pacientes con NAC con diagnóstico etiológico ingresados en terapia intensiva en un hospital público entre 2006 y 2017. Resultados: Se incluyeron 250 episodios de NAC, 53 por SAMR-AC y 197 por otros agentes. Los pacientes con SAMR fueron más jóvenes (35,6±13,4 vs 43,1±12,4, p<0,001) y mostraron mayores tasas de infecciones de piel y estructuras relacionadas (IPER) (58,4% vs 2,0%, p<0,001), empiema (15,9% vs 5,0%, p=0,006), compromiso radiológico bilateral (81,1% vs 36,0%, p<0,001), promedio de score APACHE II basal (16,7±3,8 vs 13,2±4,3, p<0,001) y requerimiento de ventilación mecánica (VM) (33,9 vs 17,6 p=0,009). La tasa de mortalidad fue significativamente mayor para los pacientes con SAMR-AC (35,8% vs 11,1%, p<0,001). Las variables que se asociaron con SAMR-AC fueron IPER (OR 67,99, IC 5% 21,94-210,65), compromiso radiológico bilateral (OR 7,63, IC 95% 3,67-16,11), score APACHE II ≥ 15 (OR 4,37, IC 95% 2,08-9,16), edad ≤ 35 años (OR 3,60, IC 95% 1,77-7,29), empiema (OR 3,32, IC 95% 1,24-8,10) y VM (OR 2,85, IC 95% 1,36-5,86). Conclusión: En pacientes con NAC grave, la presencia de IPER, compromiso radiológico bilateral, score APACHE II ≥ 15, edad ≤ 35 años, empiema y VM se asociaron significativamente con mayor probabilidad de infección por SAMR-AC.

Chelonus insularis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an egg-larval endoparasitoid that attacks several lepidopteran species, including the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, as one of its main hosts. In this study, we identified the volatiles emitted by maize plants undamaged and damaged by S. frugiperda larvae that were attractive to virgin C. insularis females. In a Y-glass tube olfactometer, parasitoid females were more attracted to activated charcoal extracts than Porapak Q maize extracts. Chemical analysis of activated charcoal extracts from maize plants damaged by S. frugiperda larvae by gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography (GC-EAD) showed that the antennae of virgin female wasps consistently responded to three compounds, identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as α-pinene, α-longipinene and α-copaene. These compounds are constitutively released by maize plants but induction via herbivory affects their emissions. α-Longipinene and α-copaene were more abundant in damaged maize plants than in healthy ones, whereas α-pinene was produced in higher amounts in healthy maize plants than in damaged ones. Female parasitoids were not attracted to EAD-active compounds when evaluated singly; however, they were attracted to the binary blend α-pinene + α-copaene, which was the most attractive blend, even more attractive than the tertiary blend (α-pinene + α-longipinene + α-copaene) and the damaged maize plant extracts. We conclude that C. insularis is attracted to a blend of herbivore-induced volatiles emitted by maize plants.

Rambutan is an important cash crop in the Mexican State of Chiapas. In the last few years this crop has been expanded to other agricultural areas of Mexico, and mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) represent a potential phytosanitary risk for this crop. The present study was performed with the objectives to identify the mealybug species associated with rambutan, and determine their altitudinal distribution in the Soconusco region of Chiapas. A total of six orchards were sampled for mealybugs, two at each altitudinal level: the low zone, i.e., 60-70 meters above sea level (masl); middle zone, 240-315 masl; and high zone, 475-590 masl. In each orchard, we randomly selected 28 trees that were sampled for fruits infested with mealybugs three times between May and August of 2015. Results showed that the abundance of immature stages and adults was higher in orchards located at the low zone. A total of 1236 adult female mealybugs were identified, namely, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (57%), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (24.9%), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (15.7%) and Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (2.4%). The latter three species have not been previously recorded in association with rambutan trees in Mexico. All species were infesting rambutan fruits in orchards located at the medium zone, being F. virgata the dominant species. The mealybug M. hirsutus was not detected in high altitude orchard, and N. nipae was not present in low altitude orchards. In contrast, F. virgata and D. brevipes were detected in all three altitudes, being more abundant in the low zone. Mealybug species and its altitudinal distribution reported here are a preliminary assessment of these insects in rambutan orchards, and it is expected to be used as a background for further studies.

To evaluate the relationship between intracranial hyperpressure (HICP) and mortality in patients with cryptococcal meningitis related to AIDS (CMRA).

Objectives: To know the incidence of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) caused by Methicillin Resistant Sthaphylococcus aureus (MRSA), to examine their c...

Insect pathogenic viruses and parasitoids represent distinct biological entities that exploit a shared host resource and have similar effects in suppressing host populations. This study explores the interactions between the ectoparasitoid Euplectrus plathypenae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and the Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) in larvae of S.exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Parasitoid progeny failed to complete development in hosts that had been infected prior to parasitism. However, infection of S.exigua fourth instars at 48 h post-parasitism had no significant effects on the survival of parasitoid progeny. Larval and pupal development times of E.plathypenae that survived on virus-infected S.exigua did not differ significantly from that of parasitoids on healthy hosts. Virus-induced mortality and the production of occlusion bodies were very similar in parasitized and non-parasitized S.exigua. The virus was genetically stable over three passages in parasitized and unparasitized hosts. These results suggest that applications of SeMNPV-based insecticides are unlikely to disrupt pest control exerted by the parasitoid E.plathypenae in biological pest control programs as long as virus applications are timed not to coincide with parasitoid releases.

Laboratory studies were performed on the lethal and sublethal effects of spinosad on three important species of parasitoids attacking Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Mexico. Reproduction of the braconid Chelonus insularis (Cresson), on treated egg masses was completely eliminated at 200 parts per million (ppm) and reduced by ∼70% at 20 ppm compared to the controls. Adult C. insularis did not avoid contact with residues on maize (200 ppm), but suffered a 7-day reduction in longevity after contact with residues. Initial toxicity of spinosad applied to a natural host of S. frugiperda was concentration dependent and resulted in 23 to 100% mortality of the eulophid Euplectrus plathypenae Howard at 25 to 200 ppm, respectively. The survival of Eu. plathypenae was initially reduced, especially in males, following contact with field weathered residues on maize (200 ppm). However, survival of both sexes rapidly returned to control values on foliage sampled after rainfall. A similar effect was observed in the mortality response of female Eu. plathypenae exposed to residues on sorghum. The ichneumonid Eiphosoma vitticolle Cresson did not avoid reproduction in S. frugiperda larvae that were externally contaminated with 200 ppm spinosad, although all spinosad-treated hosts died before the parasitoid progeny could develop. We use these results to predict the impact of spinosad applications on the foraging and reproduction of these parasitoids in the field. Such predictions require validation by field studies.

Field trails in 2002 and 2003 were performed to determine the efficacy of maize flour-based granular formulations with ultralow rates of the naturally derived insecticide spinosad (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 g [AI]/ha), for control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in maize, Zea mays L., in southern Mexico. Spinosad formulations were compared with a chemical standard, a commercial granular formulation of chlorpyrifos (150 g [AI]/ha). In both years, application of spinosad resulted in excellent levels of control, indicated by the number of living S. frugiperda larvae recovered from experimental plots. The efficacy of spinosad applied at 0.3 and 1.0 g (AI)/ha was very similar to that of chlorpyrifos. Natural reinfestation caused S. frugiperda numbers in insecticide treated plots to return to values similar to the control treatmentby 10-15d postapplication. Many spinosad-intoxicated larvae collected in the field died later in the laboratory in 2002, but not in 2003. Percentage mortality due to parasitoid emergence did not differ in any treatment in either field trial. The number of parasitoids that emerged from S. frugiperda collected in each treatment was significantly reduced after application of spinosad (all rates) or chlorpyrifos due to a reduction in the number of host larvae. Parasitoid numbers returned to control values by 9-15 d postapplication in all treatments. The most prevalent parasitoid was the braconid Chelonus insularis Cresson, which represented approximately 80% of emerging parasitoids in both years. We conclude that appropriate formulation technology can greatly enhance the performance of this naturally derived, biorational insecticide.