Control Options Research Articles

Three years of insecticide resistance evolution and associated mechanisms in Aedes aegypti populations of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background Resistance to insecticides is spreading among populations of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of important human arboviruses. The escalating insecticide resistance poses a significant threat to dengue vector control, with an expanding number of countries affected by the disease. To gain a deeper insight into the evolution of insecticide resistance, it is essential to have longitudinal surveillance results, which are currently lacking, particularly from African Ae. aegypti populations. Here we report on three-years of surveillance of Ae. aegypti susceptibility to insecticide resistance phenotypes and associated kdr mutations in Burkina Faso, a country with regular dengue outbreaks. Methods Ae. aegypti susceptibility to insecticides and the V410L, V1016I, and F1534C kdr target site mutations linked to pyrethroid insecticide resistance were monitored in Ouagadougou from 2016 to 2018. Larvae were collected from artificial containers at two sites and reared to adulthood in an insectary. Bioassays were conducted on female adults, along with a laboratory-susceptible strain, following standard WHO protocols. Allele-specific PCR genotyping assays were utilized to identify the V410L, V1016I, and F1534C kdr pyrethroid target site mutations. Results Bioassays revealed a high level of resistance to permethrin and deltamethrin that progressively increased over the three-year period in both localities. The 1534C mutation was nearly fixed throughout the three years at each locality, and while the closely-related 410L and 1016I mutations did not vary between localities, their frequency notably increased from 2016 to 2018. Interestingly, Ae. aegypti populations in both areas remained susceptible to bendiocarb, fenitrothion, and malathion. Modelling the mortality data further confirmed the escalating resistance trend over the years and emphasized the significant role played by the three kdr mutations in conferring resistance to pyrethroids. Conclusion Mortality rates indicate that Ae. aegypti populations from Ouagadougou are becoming increasingly resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, likely due to an increase in the frequencies of the 410L and 1016I kdr mutations. Organophosphate insecticides are likely to be better alternative options for control.

Prevalence of Varroa destructor Infestations in Apis mellifera Honeybee Colonies and Associated Risk Factors in Ankasha District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite of broods and adult stages of honeybees, which gradually leads to colony losses worldwide, both directly (feeding on fatty tissue) and indirectly (disease transmission). The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of varroosis and to identify possible risk factors for the occurrence of varroosis. The honeybee colonies were selected by a simple random sampling method from each apiary of 90 volunteer apiarists. Combs containing mature drone broods were taken out of each colony and examined for the presence of V. destructor on the brood and in the cell. A cross-sectional study design was used for data collection. The data were analysed by chi-square test (χ2) and logistic regression. Overall, 66.15% of honeybee colonies were infested with V. destructor. Colony strength, colony age and agro-ecology had statistically significant (p<0.05) associations with the occurrence of varroosis. Weak colonies were 4.89 (p<0.001) times more likely to be at risk to varroosis than moderate colonies. Likewise, honeybee colonies with the age of 2-3 years and >3 years were 1.99 and 4.74 (p<0.001) times more likely to be at risk to varroosis than colonies with <2 years, respectively. Furthermore, honeybee colonies in highland and midland agro-ecologies were 3.67 and 5.07 (p<0.001) times more likely at risk to infestation of varroosis when compared with colonies from lowland agro-ecologies, respectively. Varroosis is prevalent in the study area, which alarms the starting of an effective control option to save honeybee colonies.

Bioactive peptides inhibit feeding activity in the grey garden slug, Deroceras reticulatum.

The grey garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum) is considered the most damaging slug pest in global agriculture. Control methods primarily rely on chemical pesticides, which pose environmental risks and potential hazards to human health. There is a need for sustainable management alternatives such as biologically-based slug control options. However, the efficacy of nonchemical measures for controlling pest slug populations remains limited, particularly in the context of variable outdoor conditions. Neuropeptides and their corresponding receptors have been proposed as promising biological targets for the development of new pest management strategies. A total of 23 bioactive peptides belonging to the PRX family, previously identified from the grey garden slug, D. reticulatum, were injected into or fed to this species. The detrimental effects of these peptides, including a reduction in body weight and an inhibition of feeding activity, were evaluated in feeding choice tests with D. reticulatum. Furthermore, the bioactive peptide formulated with a lipid particle demonstrated a feeding deterrent effect. One of the myomodulin (MM) peptides, APPLPRY, demonstrated a significant reduction in feeding activity, resulting in a reduction in slug weight or mortality in just 30 min. The results represent the first evidence of a bioactive peptide having detrimental effects on D. reticulatum including causing feeding deterrent for this slug pest. The in vivo results provide insights into the potential development of active ingredients for managing slugs in the field. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Patterns of herbicide resistance in Raphanus raphanistrum revealed by comprehensive testing and statistical analysis.

Raphanus raphanistrum causes $40 million total revenue losses annually in Western Australia partly due to its historically-documented ability to evolve herbicide resistance to multiple modes of action. In this study, 376 field-sampled populations of R. raphanistrum were tested for resistance to 21 herbicides applied at the recommended label rate. Eight treatments were herbicide mixtures with two, three or four modes of action. A total of 7199 individual resistance tests were conducted across 4 years by screening approximately 104 000 individual seeds and seedlings. The mean survival of individuals within a population for all standalone herbicides was 9%, whereas survival was significantly decreased to 3.5% with a herbicide mixture. Some herbicides such as triasulfuron (herbicide Group 2), 2,4-D (Group 4) or diflufenican (Group 12) were highly impacted by resistance, with frequencies of resistant populations being > 50%. Conversely, there was negligible resistance to glyphosate (Group 9) or protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors (tiafenacil, saflufenacil + trifludimoxazin, fomesafen: Group 14), and pre-emergence herbicides (i.e., atrazine or mesotrione: Groups 5 and 27, respectively) remained largely effective. Binary, ternary or quaternary mixtures of Groups 4, 6, 12 and 27 herbicides reduced the frequency of high-level resistant populations to 7.1%, 3.8% or 0%, respectively. The cost-effective control of R. raphanistrum remains a challenge due to herbicide resistance. Raphanus raphanistrum management relies heavily on herbicide uses not yet compromised by resistance, such as pre-emergence herbicides (atrazine, fomesafen, mesotrione), glyphosate, and mixtures of two, three or four modes of action including bromoxynil, diflufenican, MCPA, picolinafen, pyrasulfotole and topramezone. Strategies that integrate effective herbicide use patterns, novel modes of action and efficiently-mechanized non-chemical weed control options (i.e., seed destructors) can completely constrain the selection of herbicide resistance in this highly adaptable species. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Herbicide resistance is complex: a global review of cross-resistance in weeds within herbicide groups

Abstract Herbicides have been placed in global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) herbicide groups based on their sites of action (e.g., acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides are grouped in HRAC Group 2). A major driving force for this classification system is that growers have been encouraged to rotate or mix herbicides from different HRAC groups to delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, because in theory, all active ingredients within a herbicide group physiologically affect weeds similarly. Although herbicide resistance in weeds has been studied for decades, recent research on the biochemical and molecular basis for resistance has demonstrated that patterns of cross-resistance are usually quite complicated and much more complex than merely stating, for example, a certain weed population is Group 2-resistant. The objective of this review article is to highlight and describe the intricacies associated with the magnitude of herbicide resistance and cross-resistance patterns that have resulted from myriad target-site and non–target site resistance mechanisms in weeds, as well as environmental and application timing influences. Our hope is this review will provide opportunities for students, growers, agronomists, ag retailers, regulatory personnel, and research scientists to better understand and realize that herbicide resistance in weeds is far more complicated than previously considered when based solely on HRAC groups. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of cross-resistance patterns among weed species and populations may assist in managing herbicide-resistant biotypes in the short term by providing growers with previously unconsidered effective control options. This knowledge may also inform agrochemical company efforts aimed at developing new resistance-breaking chemistries and herbicide mixtures. However, in the long term, nonchemical management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, and biological weed management tactics, must also be implemented to prevent or delay increasingly problematic issues with weed resistance to current and future herbicides.

Evaluation of Different Mode of Action Insecticides for the Control of Bemisia tabaci; Enhancement of Pesticide Efficacy.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a major pest worldwide, causing damage to a vast range of plants through its feeding on phloem sap and its vectoring of >100 plant viruses. Although not established in the UK, it is regularly introduced on planting material, which poses a significant plant health risk. Restrictions on pesticide use and increasing resistance to available active ingredients limit options for effective control of potential outbreaks. Alternative management options are required to mitigate this risk. There was high variability in the efficacy of the different modes of action products tested against two life stages (adults and larvae) as well as the Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species of B. tabaci. For both adults and larvae, MEAM1 were more susceptible than MED insects, possibly due to differences in resistance developed against some active ingredients. All products tested were effective to varying degrees against MEAM1 adults with Tracer (spinosad), PREV-AM (orange oil), Sequoia (sulfoxaflor), and FLiPPER (fatty acids) having similar efficacies (59-78% mortality). In contrast, PREV-AM and FLiPPER were most effective against MED adults (74% and 65% mortalities, respectively). Both MED and MEAM1 larvae were highly susceptible to FLiPPER and PREV-AM (>95% mortality), and the efficacy of Tracer and FLiPPER can be enhanced by using in combination with PREV-AM, and this can be achieved by using low doses of each product. Synergy was measured between PREV-AM and Tracer against MEAM1 larvae, which has the potential to provide effective control with a reduced pesticide application.

Keeping toxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin contamination at bay by deploying atoxigenic-based biocontrol products during production of groundnut and maize in Mozambique.

Aflatoxins, produced by aflatoxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi fungi, commonly occur in groundnut and maize grown in Mozambique and have long been associated with high prevalence of liver cancer, stunting, and restricted access to lucrative international markets. Effective aflatoxin control options in the country are limited and not adequately explored. Biocontrol products based on atoxigenic strains of A. flavus provide viable aflatoxin mitigation measures but require development for Mozambique. Four hundred and sixty-eight (468) and 558 groundnut and maize farmers, respectively, voluntarily evaluated the effectiveness of two biocontrol products (Aflasafe MWMZ01 and Aflasafe MZ02), each containing as active ingredients four distinct atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus belonging to native vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs), at preventing aflatoxin contamination and displacement of aflatoxigenic fungi for 2 years in various agro-ecologies. Most groundnut and maize treated with the biocontrol products were below maximum levels for food in the European Union (EU; 85%; p < 0.01) and the United States (US; 99%; p < 0.01). In contrast, most non-treated maize and groundnut (ranging from 38 to 70%; p = 0.05) were above the EU and US maximum allowable levels for food. Aflatoxin reductions ranged from 78 to 98% (p < 0.01) in treated groundnut, and from 61 to 93% (p < 0.01) in treated maize. Toxigenic fungi were almost completely displaced from soils and crops by the applied atoxigenic active ingredients. This study revealed that the atoxigenic based biocontrol technology is effective in Mozambique at displacing aflatoxigenic fungi and reducing aflatoxin accumulation in both groundnut and maize but a combination with other management tools is encouraged for better retention of crop quality along the value chain.

Characterising the transcriptomic response of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a mycobacterial cell wall fraction

BackgroundInnate immune stimulants, including mycobacterium cell wall fractions (MCWF), offer an alternative control option to prevent and treat disease in livestock, by appropriately augmenting the innate immune response. However, the functional response to mycobacterium cell wall fractions in cattle is not well defined. In this study we report the transcriptomic response of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells to MCWF in the product Amplimune®. MethodsAmplimune-induced transcriptomic changes in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined following an initial pilot study and a later time course experiment. These cells were cultured in vitro for 24 h. In the pilot experiment, cells were stimulated with 0, 2, 5, 12.5 or 31.25 µg/mL Amplimune. In the time course experiment, cells were stimulated with 0 or 31.25 µg/mL Amplimune. In both experiments the total RNA was extracted at 0 h, 6 h and 24 h following stimulation. Ribosomal RNA depleted samples were sequenced, and data analysed to determine differential gene expression profiles. Differential gene expression was further analysed to determine enriched biological processes and pathways and a co-expression network. Results and conclusionAmplimune induced dose- and time-dependent gene expression profile changes in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which were enriched into GO-BP regulation of signalling receptor activity, response to cytokine and inflammatory response. Enriched pathways from KEGG analysis were cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL17 signalling and TNF signalling pathways. Selected genes involved in these processes and pathways included IFNG, IL17A, TNF, IL22 and IL23A. PDE1B, CSF2 and IL36G were identified as the most connected genes in a co-expression network, while the connection between SAA2 and SIGLEC5 was the most important for flow of information within the network. Genes encoding for pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL1B, IL6, IL2, and IL12B, and chemokines CCL3, CCL4 and CCL20 were also upregulated at 6 and 24 h post stimulation, as was the β-defensin gene TAP. These results assist in understanding how mycobacterial cell wall fractions alter immune function and may contribute to our understanding of the immune stimulant response attributed to Amplimune.

Digital Storage Oscilloscope with Frequency Control &amp; Real-time Visualization

Project presents a digital storage oscilloscope with real-time visualization capabilities and frequency control. The system is based on the flexible ESP32 microcontroller architecture, which allows for the creation of a wide range of waveforms at tunable frequencies. Quick waveform adaptation is made possible by users' easy control over the oscillator's frequency in real-time through simple input techniques. Additionally, the system has a graphical user interface that allows users to instantly visualize created signals and easily monitor waveform properties. The oscillator is appropriate for a variety of applications in industries like audio synthesis, instrumentation, and telecommunications because it also provides sophisticated control options and signal processing capabilities. This comprehensive solution meets the needs of both enthusiasts and experts in signal production and visualization by providing a practical and versatile tool for those working in

Examining imidacloprid behaviorally resistant house flies (Musca domestica L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) for neonicotinoid cross-resistance.

The house fly (Musca domestica L.) is a ubiquitous fly species commonly associated with confined animal and urban waste storage facilities. It is known for its pestiferous nature and ability to mechanically vector numerous disease-causing pathogens. Effective control of adult house fly populations has traditionally relied upon insecticidal food baits; however, due to the overuse of insecticides, resistance has proven to yield many insecticidal baits and chemical classes less effective. Imidacloprid, the most widely used neonicotinoid, has been formulated and commonly used in house fly baits for over 2 decades. However, widespread evidence of physiological and behavioral resistance to imidacloprid has been documented. While previous studies have investigated the mechanisms of behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in the house fly, it remains unclear whether behavioral resistance is specific to imidacloprid or if behavioral cross-resistance exists to other compounds within the neonicotinoid class of insecticides. The current study used no-choice and choice-feeding bioassays to examine a lab-selected imidacloprid behaviorally resistant house fly colony for cross-resistance to other insecticides in the neonicotinoid chemical class. All flies exhibited high mortality (97-100%) in no-choice assays, even when exposed to imidacloprid, indicating physiological susceptibility to all tested neonicotinoids. House flies exhibited high mortality (98-100%) in choice assays when exposed to all neonicotinoid insecticides tested besides imidacloprid. These results confirm that imidacloprid behavioral resistance is specific to the compound imidacloprid and that alternative neonicotinoids remain viable options for control. Our study showed no evidence of behavioral cross-resistance to other compounds in the neonicotinoid class.

Fire Fighter Robot Using IOT and Mobile Application

In today's fast-paced world, fire hazards pose significant risks to life, property, and the environment. Traditional fire detection systems often rely on human intervention, leading to delays in response time and exacerbating the damage caused by fire incidents. Our project, the IoT-Based Automatic Fire Detection and Extinguisher Robot, addresses this challenge by utilizing a combination of modern sensor technology, robotics, and IoT to provide an autonomous and real-time solution. The robot is equipped with flame and temperature sensors that allow it to detect fires at an early stage. Once a fire is detected, the robot activates its movement mechanism using DC motors to navigate toward the fire while the integrated servo-controlled water pump precisely sprays water to extinguish the fire. In addition to automatic firefighting, the robot features obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors, ensuring safe navigation in complex environments. The system includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication, allowing for remote control via an Android mobile app. This app provides both manual and automatic control options and sends real-time fire alerts when the robot detects a fire. This autonomous system minimizes human intervention, speeds up response times, and reduces fire damage effectively. The robot is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, which processes data from the sensors and controls the motors and water pump. The rescue pod feature allows the robot to perform additional operations like transporting sensitive materials during emergencies. The system's IoT functionality enables real-time alerts and remote monitoring, enhancing its capability as a scalable and cost-effective solution for residential, commercial, and industrial fire safety.

Effect of PRE-Herbicide Treatments on Weed Management, Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) Yield and Fiber Properties

ABSTRACT There are few registered pre-emergence herbicides in cotton and the growers usually apply the herbicides fluometuron, pendimethalin and s-metolachlor. However, other herbicides such as flurochloridone, flumioxazin and the premixture pendimethalin plus terbuthylazine are alternative pre-emergence options for weed control. A field experiment was conducted in northern Greece in 2021 and repeated in 2022 to study the effect of the preemergence mixtures fluometuron+ s-metolachlor at 1500 + 960 g a.i. ha−1, flumioxazin+ s-metolachlor at 50 + 960 g a.i. ha−1, flurochloridone+ s-metolachlor at 325 + 960 g a.i. ha−1 and pendimethalin+ terbuthylazine at 1125 + 562.5 g a.i. ha−1 on weed control, cotton yield and technological properties of cotton fiber. Amaranthus spp. Portulaca olearacea L. Solanum nigrum L. Chenopodium album L. were highly (>90%) controlled by all herbicides, Tribolus terrestris L. by flumioxazin+ s-metolachlor and pendimethalin+ terbuthylazine, whereas the perennial Sorghum halepense, Cynanchum laeve (Michx.) Pers. and Convolvulus arvensis L. were not affected. The response of cotton to these herbicides regarding crop emergence, growth, seed yield and technological properties of fiber was similar. Transient phytotoxic herbicide injuries were detected only in the second year of the study. Although, the phytotoxic injuries did not affect cotton growth, appropriate management of irrigation after herbicide application may be considered to decrease the incidence of serious herbicide injury.

Spectroscopic Investigation of the Interaction of Silicate Ions with Lead Carbonates Under Drinking Water Conditions.

The presence of lead has been identified as a critical health risk in drinking water systems serviced by Pb-bearing plumbing. Among several corrosion control strategies, the use of sodium silicates has attracted interest due to the advantages it offers compared to other approaches, such as phosphate dosage. However, the interaction of silicate ions with lead corrosion scales and other ubiquitous dissolved species such as Al ions in drinking water is not well understood. In this work, surface and bulk spectroscopic analysis of the solid scale is combined with quantitative analysis of the aqueous phase. A detailed spectroscopic probing of the transformations taking place on the solid phase enables us to develop a mechanistic framework for reports published in the last four years in the open literature, suggesting that silicates may not be an adequate corrosion control option in drinking water systems rich in solid lead carbonates. The spectroscopic data obtained demonstrate that in the presence of chlorine residual, silicates inhibit Pb(II) carbonates from oxidizing into less soluble Pb(IV) oxides thus, negatively impacting water quality. Furthermore, aluminum ions interact with silicates resulting in the formation of solid allophane phase over the lead scale surface, extending into the bulk. However, the formation of this new solid allophane phase does not protect against lead dissolution.

Influence of improving selections on potato productivity in original seed nurseries in Karelia conditions

In potato seed production, selections contribute to maintaining varietal typicality, increasing yields and improving the quality of seed material. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of improving selections in the first field generation of potatoes under conditions of variability of meteorological factors during the growing season of plants. In the process of crop reproduction, the yield indicators of the super-super elite of three varieties of the early ripeness group (Latona, Impala, Red Scarlett) are reflected during the selection in the first field generation. Using cluster and step-by-step discriminant analyses, three groups of productivity of vegetative offspring were identified for each of the above varieties: I – maximum, II – average, III – minimum. In the experiment, they were used as experimental options for control – offspring without selection. Against the background of the absence of reliable deviations in the number and weight of tubers in the experimental variants from the corresponding controls, a tendency to increase production was revealed.

Melanaphis sorghi : A review and synthesis of its control options 10 years post detection of a new invasive haplotype in the United States of America

Abstract Melanaphis sorghi is a serious invasive insect pest of grain, sweet and forage sorghum in the southern USA. Ten years post invasion by this aphid, the authors reviewed the literature on the host range, distribution, impact and available management options. Since the detection of M. sorghi in Texas in 2013, this pest rapidly spread into 25 states that accounted for over 98% of the nationwide sorghum production. At high densities and infestations, feeding by M. sorghi causes direct injury and reduces plant quality leading to significant yield reductions and severe economic losses. Multiple management methods aimed at suppressing aphid populations and reducing yield and economic losses have been developed and are available to growers. These methods include the use of in-furrow and foliar insecticide applications, resistant sorghum cultivars, cultural methods like late planting, and conservation of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) in sorghum production. A comprehensive review of the literature indicated that utilizing a combination of management methods was more efficient in suppressing aphid populations and improving yield across a range of locations. Research focused on integrated pest management of M. sorghi is still needed to refine IPM strategies in sorghum production.

Biological Control of Aphids in China: Successes and Prospects.

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, and many are notorious pests of field crops, vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental plants, and trees. In China, there is an increasing emphasis on utilizing biological control agents, including aphidopathogenics, and selective pesticides for the management of aphids. In particular, preventive integrated pest management strategies with early interventions reduce the financial and environmental costs associated with treatments of outbreaks. Decades of progress have proved that biological control is a cost-effective and environmentally safe control option. Here, we review the history and progress of aphid control, with an emphasis on major natural enemies, mass-rearing, and conservation, and provide two successful cases, constraints, and future perspectives on aphid biological control in China.

A Simple and Green Analytical Alternative for Chloride Determination in High-Salt-Content Crude Oil: Combining Miniaturized Extraction with Portable Colorimetric Analysis

A simple and miniaturized protocol was developed for chloride extraction from Brazilian pre-salt crude oil for further salt determination by colorimetry. In this protocol, the colorimetric analysis of chloride using digital images was carried out in an aqueous phase obtained after a simple and miniaturized extraction carefully developed for this purpose. A portable device composed of a homemade 3D-printed chamber with a USB camera was used. The PhotoMetrix app converted the images into RGB histograms, and a partial least squares (PLS) model was obtained from chemometric treatment. The sample preparation was performed by extraction after defining the best conditions for the main parameters (e.g., extraction time, temperature, type and volume of solvent, and sample mass). The PLS model was evaluated considering the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square errors (RMSEs)—calibration (RMSEC), cross-validation (RMSECV), and prediction (RMSEP). Under the optimized conditions, an extraction efficiency higher than 84% was achieved, and the limit of quantification was 1.6 mg g−1. The chloride content obtained in the pre-salt crude oils ranged from 3 to 15 mg g−1, and no differences (ANOVA, 95%) were observed between the results and the reference values by direct solid sampling elemental analysis (DSS-EA) or the ASTM D 6470 standard method. The easy-to-use colorimetric analysis combined with the extraction method’s simplicity offered a high-throughput, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method, with the possibility of portability. Additionally, the decrease in energy consumption and waste generation, increasing the sample throughput and operators’ safety, makes the proposed method a greener approach. Furthermore, the cost savings make this a suitable option for routine quality control, which can be attractive in the crude oil industry.

Evaluation of cats treated with robenacoxib after gastrointestinal surgery.

The aim of the study was to determine if cats administered robenacoxib immediately after gastrointestinal surgery have a similar complication rate to cats that were not administered robenacoxib. Medical records were reviewed for 154 cats that underwent gastrointestinal surgery between December 2015 and September 2021 in this retrospective study. Data collected included patient signalment, presenting complaint, surgical procedure(s) performed, robenacoxib administration and major postoperative complications. Cats were excluded if they did not have a 2-week postoperative follow-up examination. Two groups were analyzed: group R (postoperative robenacoxib administration) consisted of 43 cats; and group C (no postoperative robenacoxib administration) consisted of 111 cats. Complications occurred in 10/43 (23.2%) cats in group R and 34/111 (30.6%) cats in group C. Major complications occurred in 1/43 (2.3%) in group R and 14/111 (12.6%) in group C. Minor complications occurred in 9/43 (20.9%) cats in group R and 20/111 (18.0%) cats in group C. One of 43 cats (2.3%) in group R and 10/111 (9.0%) cats in group C were euthanized or died within 0-16 days after gastrointestinal surgery. Cats that were administered robenacoxib postoperatively did not have an increase in major postoperative complications after gastrointestinal surgery compared with cats that were administered an alternative analgesic medication. The use of robenacoxib in cats after gastrointestinal surgery may be a safe analgesic option for postoperative pain control.

Safety and Efficacy of Ketorolac After Craniotomy for Tumor Resection

ObjectivePostoperative pain is the most common undesirable outcome after neurosurgery. Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is administered parenterally and carries a theoretical increased risk of bleeding. Our study aims to determine whether ketorolac after craniotomy for tumor resection significantly changes the rate of postoperative adverse events, adequately controls pain, and decreases concurrent narcotic usage. MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection from 2013 to 2022. Analysis of patients who received ketorolac and those who did not in the post-operative period were compared for adverse events associated with ketorolac use. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported pain scores and postoperative opioid usage. Results1,114 patients were included, of which 70 received ketorolac in the postoperative period. Patients who received ketorolac often received it after narcotics failed to provide adequate pain control. Patients receiving ketorolac were younger (p=0.001) and had a lower comorbidity index (p=0.041) compared to the non-ketorolac group. Patients receiving ketorolac did not experience a significantly increased rate of bleeding events (p=0.850). Patients recieving ketorolac had significantly higher baseline levels of pain (p=0.018) and opioid usage (p=0.047). When matched for chronic comorbidities including pain disorders, the ketorolac group only displayed higher levels of pain early in the postoperative course (POD 0-1) but not in latter part of the initial postoperative period. ConclusionsKetorolac is a safe and effective option for pain control after craniotomy for tumor resection. Prospective data is needed to better validate these retrospective observations.

Experiences &amp; Perspectives on Injectable Contraceptive on Its Users in Tamil Nadu- A Qualitative Report

Background: Injectable contraception, Depot Medroxy-Progesterone Acetate (DMPA), is a popular birth control option due to its safety, effectiveness, and discretion. It offers three months protection with minimal impact on the daily lives, reducing the need for frequent visits to healthcare facilities. Understanding women’s experiences with DMPA is crucial for improving the quality of contraceptive services and their reproductive health outcomes. This study aimed to elucidate the experiences and perspectives of women using injectable contraceptive - Depot Medroxy-Progesterone Acetate. Methodology: The study employed a Phenomenological approach, with in-depth, semi-structured interviews among ten women, aged 21-40 years, who received DMPA at a Family Planning Clinic in Tamil Nadu, India. Participants who had used DMPA for at least three months to one year were selected using convenience sampling. Data were analysed and identified themes through the Colaizzi method. Results: Thematic analysis revealed eight key themes: reasons for choosing DMPA, decision-making process, concerns and discontinuation, information sources, management strategies, willingness to recommend, reluctance to recommend, and suggestions for improving DMPA utilization. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for enhancements in injectable contraceptive services, providing insights to inform future family planning policies and strategies.