Highest Percentage Reduction Research Articles

Nematicidal activity of rosemary residues and extracts to biocontrol root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on field pea

In this investigation, certain rosemary residues as powdered dry and mashed fresh leaves with their aqueous extracts were used for biocontrolling root-knot nematode, M. incognita on field pea cv. Concessa under screen house conditions. On the basis of mean total percentages nematode reduction, the highest percentage reduction was achieved by using extract of powdered dry leaves (80.3%) followed by those of extract of mashed fresh leaves (79.3%) and residue of mashed fresh leaves (69.1%). Gall reduction was 70% by using mashed fresh leaves followed by extracts of powdered dry leaves and mashed fresh leaves (65%).The highest percentages increase in number of bacterial nodules was achieved by powdered dry leaves followed by increase using mashed fresh leaves. Also, the tested materials improved growth and yield (Pods) criteria of pea.

Levetiracetam monotherapy in children with epilepsy: Experience from a tertiary pediatric neurology center

ObjectivesLevetiracetam (LEV) is a second-generation antiepileptic drug with high efficacy and tolerability in children and adults with epilepsy. We aimed to retrospectively assess the long-term efficacy, tolerability, and safety of LEV monotherapy in children with epilepsy. MethodsAll patients who received LEV monotherapy at the Ankara University Children Hospital between January 2010 and June 2020 were evaluated. This retrospective pediatric cohort study determined the efficacy and safety of LEV monotherapy in 281 outpatients with epilepsy. ResultsThere were 281 patients, 50.5% female, aged 5 months to 18 years with a mean age of 9 years. Of these, 48% of patients had idiopathic epilepsy, 40.6% had symptomatic epilepsy, and 11,4% had cryptogenic/genetic epilepsy. Primary generalized seizures occurred in 61.6% of patients, focal seizures in 19.6%, both generalized and focal seizures in 15,3%, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures in 2.5%, and undefined type of seizure in 1.1%. A total of 22.8% patients had an accompanying extra neurological disease, mostly cardiological and hematological. The range of final daily dose was 10–71 mg/kg/day, with mean 29.5 mg/kg/day. Duration of therapy ranged from 7 days to 96 months, with median 12 months (IQR: 6–22). For the all cohort, a 6th month retention rate was 81%, a 12th month retention rate was 71.4%, and a 24th month retention rate was 61.8%. Eighty five percent of the patients had a seizure reduction of at least 50% and 55.9% of patients remained seizure-free for median 12 months treatment duration with LEV monotherapy. Improvement of electroencephalography (EEG) findings was found in 42% of patients on control EEGs. A total of 67 adverse events were documented in 45 (16%) patients. The most common adverse events were behavioral problems such as aggression (n:18) and irritability (n:17). The discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 2.5%, and due to inefficacy was 5.3%. ConclusionThe present study suggests that the high retention rates, high percentage of seizure reduction, the low discontinuation rate due to adverse events and inefficacy, and the relatively benign and transient profile of adverse events make LEV preferable as monotherapy in the pediatric population.

Effect of Seed Soaking and Foliar Spray of Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid on Cotton Plant Pests and Yield, Compared with Some Recommended Pesticides

Two field experiments were conducted at El-Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, El-Gharbia Governorate, Egypt during the two seasons 2018 and 2019. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of soaking seed and foliar spraying of humic acid, fulvic acid, Imidacloprid (Gaucho) and combinations of them on the cotton pests, growth, yield, and yield components of Giza 86 cotton varieties. The results showed that Gaucho and Gaucho+ Humic+ Fulvic gave the high reduction percentage of Thrips tabaci and Tetranychus urticae when the cotton seed soaking with these compounds compared with control. On the other hand, the high reduction percentage of Empoasca lybica was recorded when the cotton plant treated with a foliar spray by Carbosulfan+ Fulvic acid and Carbosulfan+ Humic + Fulvic acid were 82.0 and 87.76 %, respectively during the two seasons. In addition, the reduction percentage of Tetranychus urticae was 84.15, 83.44 and 81.38% for Chlorfenapyr+ Fulvic acid; Chlorfenapyr+ Humic + Fulvic acid and Chlorfenapyr, respectively. The effect of Chlorfenapyr on the total number of true spiders on cotton was studied. Also, results indicated that Gaucho treatments increased the Plant height at harvest, Number of fruiting branches/plant, number of open bolls/plant and Seed cotton yield compared to control as well as a traditional pest control method. Thus seed treatment of cotton crops with Imidacloprid can be an ideal strategy for IPM in the cotton field in Egypt.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the fine particulate matter concentration levels: Results from Bengaluru megacity, India

Leveraging the COVID-19 India-wide lockdown situation, the present study attempts to quantify the reduction in the ambient fine particulate matter concentrations during the lockdown (compared with that of the pre-lockdown period), owing to the highly reduced specific anthropogenic activities and thereby pollutant emissions. The study was conducted over Bengaluru (India), using PM2.5 (mass concentration of particulate matter having size less than or equal to 2.5 µm) and Black Carbon mass concentration (BC) data. Open-access datasets from pollution control board (PCB) were also utilised to understand the spatial variability and region-specific reduction in PM2.5 across the city. The highest percentage reduction was observed in BCff (black carbon attributable to fossil fuel combustion), followed by total BC and PM2.5. No decrease in BCbb (black carbon attributable to wood/biomass burning) was observed, suggesting unaltered wood-based cooking activities and biomass-burning (local/regional) throughout the study period. Results support the general understanding of multi-source (natural and anthropogenic) nature of PM2.5 in contrast to limited-source (combustion based) nature of BC. The diurnal amplitudes in BC and BCff were reduced, while they remained almost the same for PM2.5 and BCbb. Analysis of PCB data reveal the highest reduction in PM2.5 in an industrial cluster area. The current lockdown situation acted as a natural model to understand the role of a few major anthropogenic activities (viz., traffic, construction, industries related to non-essential goods, etc.) in enhancing the background fine particulate matter levels. Contemporary studies reporting reduction in surface fine particulate matter and satellite retrieved columnar Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) during COVID-19 lockdown period are discussed.

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Vigour and Survival Traits of Barley Seedlings after Germinating under Salinity Stress

Seed germination and seedling establishment are the most critical stages in the barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.) life cycle that contribute substantially to grain yield. These two phases are exposed to several forms of environmental stresses such as salinity due to high level of salt accumulation in the soil rhizosphere where seed germination takes place and seedlings emerge from. Previously, we have reported genotypic variability and independent QTLs associated with salinity tolerance at seedling and germination stages. However, genotypic studies on revival of a seedling germinating under salinity stress are yet to close the lack of information between germination and seedling stages. Here, we attempt to close the genetic gap by targeting early seedling survival traits in barley after germination under salinity (NaCl) stress and the various seedling vigour indices. Seedling vigour parameters formed the basis for Quantitative trait locus (QTL) linkage mapping in 103 Doubled Haploid (DH) lines of CM72/Gairdner population, and validated the phenotypic response using a selected diverse panel of 85 barley germplasm. The results indicate that 150 mM NaCl stress significantly reduced all the recorded phenotypic traits compared to 75, 90 and 120 mM NaCl. In both DH population and diversity panel barley germplasm, the highest percentage reduction was recorded in shoot length (65.6% and 50.3%) followed by seedling vigour index length (56.5% and 41.0%), while root length (28.6% and 15.8%) and root dry weight (29.3% and 28.0%) were least reduced when control was compared to150 mM NaCl stress treatment. Six QTLs containing 13 significant markers were detected in the DH population, 3 on chromosomes 1H, 8 on 3H and 2 on 4H with LOD values ranging from 3 to 8 associated with seedling survival traits under salinity stress. Three QTLs one on 1H and two on 3H with closely linked significant markers (Bmac0032, bPb-9418 and bPb-4741), (bPb-4576 and bPb-9624) and (bPb-3623, bPb-5666 and bPb-6383) for 1H and two on 3H respectively formed the regions with high possibility of candidate genes. A QTL on 3H flanked with markers bPb-4576 and bPb-9624 that were detected in more than one salinity survival trait and were closely linked to each other will form a basis for detailed studies leading to gene functional analysis, genetic transformation and marker assisted selection (MAS).

Efficiency of Supplementary Contemporary Single-file Systems in Removing Filling Remnants from Oval-shaped Canals: An In Vitro Study

This study investigated the performance of supplementary three single-file systems for eliminating root filling residue from oval-shaped canals utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thirty single-rooted human mandibular premolars with oval-shaped canals were chosen. After decoronation and working length determination, ProTaper Universal (PTUR) rotary files were used to prepare canals up to F3. Irrigation was fulfilled by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and lastly distilled water. By utilizing the lateral compaction technique, canals were filled by gutta-percha and Endosequence BC Sealer. The PTUR retreatment system (D1, D2, and D3) eliminated the primary filling material sequentially. Subsequently, specimens were categorized into three groups at random: group I: WaveOne Gold (WOG) primary file, group II: TruNatomy (TRN) medium file, and group III: XP-endo Finisher R (XPF-R). The volume of residual left from filling material was quantified utilizing CBCT imaging before and after the supplementary retreatment. Statistical analyses were done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. The volume of removed root filling after using XPF-R was significantly higher than using WOG in all sections and TRN in the coronal third, while nonsignificantly higher than using TRN in the apical and middle. XPF-R as a supplementary technique revealed the highest percentage reduction of root filling material (73.13%) in comparison with the other systems (37.39% WOG and 44.16% TRN) in oval-shaped canals. Neither one of the methods and tools used to remove filling material from oval-shaped root canals is perfectly efficient. The performance of supplementary techniques using contemporary single-file systems improves the cleaning and reshaping of root canal space that permits a proper disinfection to optimize the outcome of retreatment option.

Therapeutic Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Metronidazole in Treatment of Experimentally Giardiasis Infected Hamsters.

Background:The present study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of chitosan nanoparticles and metronidazole against Giardia lamblia as well as evaluate the efficacy of loading metronidazole on chitosan nanoparticles.Methods:This study was carried out at medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University and Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI) from February 2019 to February 2020 on 45 hamsters. They were divided into 5 groups 9 hamsters each: Group A non-infected hamsters, Group B infected control group, Group C, D and E infected with G. lamblia and treated with Chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs), metronidazole (MTZ) and metronidazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MTZ-CsNPs) respectively.Results:The highest percentage of reduction in the Giardia cyst and trophozoite counts were in group that received MTZ-CsNPs (94.69%, 94.29%). Lower percentages of reduction were recorded for MTZ treated group (90.15%, 89.52%) and CsNPs treated group (63.64%, 75.24%). Histopathological examination showed marked healing of intestinal mucosa after treatment with MTZ-CsNPs.Conclusion:CsNPs showed a therapeutic effect against Giardia infection in hamsters. Loading of metronidazole on chitosan nanoparticles enhanced therapeutic effect of both CsNPs as well as metronidazole.

Efficacy of Coragen 20 SC against Lepidopteran Pest in Greengram and Its Compatibility with Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates

Background: Green gram, Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek is third most important pulse crop cultivated in India. The two key insect pest viz., pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner and Tobacco leaf caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius inflicts heavy yield loss in greengram. As these are polyphagous insect pest and the crop is a short duration crop, immediate management strategy such as chemical control is very much essential to check its yield loss. The current study reports the efficacy of novel insecticide i.e. Coragen® 20 SC against above cited two insect pest in greengram. Further its effect on non-target insects and its influence on growth and survival of Bacillus thuringiensis were evaluated. Methods: Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Coragen® 20 SC (at four doses viz., 75 ml ha-1, 100 ml ha-1, 125 ml ha-1 150 ml ha-1), chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 2.5 l ha-1 and emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 220 g ha-1 against H. armigera and S. litura during kharif 2018 and 2019. Based on larval load per plant, the percent reduction in larval counts was estimated based on Henderson and Tilton method. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was worked out for each respective year based on seed yield and net returns. Result: Coragen® 20 SC at 125 ml ha-1 and 150 ml ha-1 had resulted in highest percent reduction in larval population over control. Simultaneously, the highest BCR during kharif 2018 (6.29, 4.21) and 2019 (5.95, 5.64) were recorded from above 2 treatments. Further, Coragen® 20 SC showed compatibility with 5 Bt isolates evaluated, i.e Bt growth didn’t inhibited in nutrient agar containing field dose of Coragen 20 SC.

A performance analysis of batch fluidized bed drying of two pharmaceutical powders by desirability approach

In this work, a multi objective optimization of batch fluidized drying of two pharmaceutical powders (Group A particles and Group B particles) has been performed using desirability function. Optimization was studied based on non-linear models that take into account particle entrainment and combine dense bed and freeboard sections. Optimization criterion was simultaneously minimizing drying time, dense bed specific energy consumption, and freeboard specific energy consumption. The desired solid final moisture content was considered as a constraint. The control variables were air temperature and air velocity. For the Group B particles, simulation results indicated that desirability increase was monotonic with air temperature increase and air velocity decrease. For the Group A particles, it was shown, the existence of a desirability optimum. By comparing static and dynamic control to the real batch operation, the highest percent reduction of drying time, dense bed specific energy consumption, and freeboard specific energy consumption was obtained for static control with a high value of fixed inlet air temperature. Nevertheless, the risk of product overheating and damaging could be reduced by temperature reduction during the drying process as showed by optimal control trajectories obtained in the case of dynamic control.

The concentration of major air pollutants during the movement control order due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many governments across the world to implement some form of lockdown to minimalize the spread of the virus. On 18th March 2020, the Malaysian government put into action an enforced movement control order (MCO) to reduce the numbers of infections. This study aims to investigate the concentrations of air pollutants during the MCO in the Klang Valley. The concentrations of air pollutants were recorded by the continuous air quality monitoring system (CAQMS) operated by the Department of Environment. The results showed that there were significant reductions (p < 0.05) of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and CO during the MCO compared with the same periods in 2019 and 2018. The highest percentage of reduction during the MCO was recorded by NO2 with a percentage reduction of between −55 % and −72 %. O3 concentrations at several stations showed an increase due to the reductions of its precursors such as NO. Further investigation using diurnal patterns of air pollutant concentrations both before and during the MCO showed that NO2 and CO were both reduced significantly during the rush hours, indicating the reduction in motor vehicles on the roads as a consequence of the MCO influenced the levels of these pollutants.

Global and regional variations in aerosol loading during COVID-19 imposed lockdown

In the backdrop of upward trend in anthropogenic aerosols over global hotspot regions, the air quality had improved worldwide post declaration of the Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic in mid-March-2020. Present study using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) version-2 datasets however, demonstrates the regional variation in aerosol loading during peak of the lockdown period. Reduction in aerosol loading over majority of the aerosol hotspots is observed from mid-March/April-2020 with highest percentage reduction in the month of May. Reduction in aerosol loading over global hotspots resulted in positive surface aerosol radiative forcing (ARF, up to 6 Wm-2). Albeit reduction in aerosol loading observed worldwide, the considerable above normal aerosol burden was identified during April–May 2020 over the Amazon river basin, northern parts of the South America, Mexico region, South-West parts of the Africa and South East Asian region. Analysis revealed that the wildfire emission contributed significantly in anomalous aerosol burden over these regions during the lockdown period. An appropriate mitigation measures to reduce wildfire emissions is essential in addition to controlled anthropogenic emissions as far as air quality, deforestation and ecosystem is concerned.

Evaluation of six insecticides for the control of potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci in relation to induced resistance and tuber quality

Potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important pests of potato. Field experiments were carried out during two successive growing winter seasons of winter 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 at the Research station of Faculty of Agriculture Alexandria University, to evaluate the efficacy of six conventional insecticides , emamectin benzoate + thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, etofenprox, fenitrothion, pymetrozine and thiamethoxam against Bemisia tabaci on potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.,) of variety sponta, either as direct effect or indirect effect during induced resistance and their relationship with crop yield. Results showed that emamectin benzoate+thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid achieved high reduction percentage of whitefly adults. Also, fenitrothion, pymterozine and imidacloprid achieved high reduction percentage of whitefly immature. Fortunately, these treatments had a positive effect, both on the measures of induced resistance that were estimated, and at the same time they had a promising effect on the potato yield in terms and quality.

Comparative Efficacy of Bio-Pesticide and Synthetic Agrochemicals on Population Control of Aphids, Helicoverpa armigera, Infestation Control and Yield of Okra

A field study was conducted at village Sardheri, district Charsadda for the year 2017 in order to evaluate the efficacy of bio-insecticides and synthetic agrochemicals against the aphids and Helicoverpa. armigera on Okra. There were eight treatments including control. The highest % reduction control of aphids after 3rd spray was 91.2 recorded for T6 treatment and T5 was the next superior treatment having a % reduction of 86.2. The highest percent reduction in pod damage (75.5%) was recorded for T6 after 3rd spray, while T5 was the next superior treatment and the pod borer damage was noted to be 72.2%. T5 yielded the highest mean produce of Okra per plant and was recorded to be 446.3 g. These findings revealed that bio-insecticide can be effectively used to control aphid population as well as the fruit infestation of Okra and improving the yield of Okra. The bio-insecticides can also lower the inputs of residues in the crops and pose least toxicity to non-targeted organism and also readily degradable.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Exhaust emissions and engine performance analysis of a marine diesel engine fuelledwith Parinari polyandra biodiesel–diesel blends

The sustainability of biodiesel adoption in diesel engines are dependent on its environmental friendliness relative to lower pollutant emissions. Biodiesel was produced from extracted Parinari polyandra oil via alkali catalyzed methanolysis. Performance and emission analysis of a diesel engine was conducted on a diesel engine, operated under different operating conditions, using varied Parinari polyandra biodiesel blends. Exhaust emissions, like total hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides were measured. The biodiesel properties were found to be similar to fossil diesel. B10 was found to be the optimal blend in improving the engine performance in terms of speed, power and thermal efficiency. B30 demonstrated stable performance characteristics without any modification of the diesel engine. The exhaust emissions from biodiesel blends combustion were found to be lower than that of diesel, except nitrogen oxides. High percentage reduction of greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, was recorded at 81.7% and 65.7%, respectively. The utilization of Parinari polyandra biodiesel for engine application was found to be a viable means of heightening adoption of sustainable biofuels and minimizing pollutant emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels.

A Randomised Clinical Trial to Compare the Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Alone for Carcinoma Breast: a Pilot Study

Hypoxia plays a major role in cell survival, angiogenesis, glycolytic metabolism and metastasis in breast cancer. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has a well-established effect for attenuating the effects of hypoxia by enhancing the effects of chemotherapy drugs and increasing oxygen delivery to the tissues. The hypoxic environment encourages cancer cells to acquire stemness and become resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. We have used HBOT as an adjunct to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients with the objective of reducing tumour hypoxia and improving the response to chemotherapy. A randomised controlled trial was conducted in patients with breast cancer. The patients were randomly allocated into the study group receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with HBOT and the control group who received NAC only. The NAC consisted of 3 cycles of intravenous injection of cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil and epirubicin. The HBOT was administered along with the chemotherapy in 3 sessions in each cycle at graded pressures in each sessions. Ultrasound evaluation of patients was carried out and breast tumour size was measured after every cycle of HBOT. All the patients were operated after 3 cycles of chemotherapy and modified radical mastectomy was carried out. The response of therapy was recorded in both the groups. Patients receiving HBOT achieved significantly higher percentage reduction of tumour volume (43.1%) and the largest dimension (80.21%) (p < 0.0001) compared with those receiving chemotherapy alone. Trial registry: CTRI/2019/03/018258

The Shrinkage Pattern of Odontogenic Cyst After Surgical Decompression

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the shrinkage pattern of odontogenic cyst after surgical decompression clinically and radiographically. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-eight patients were selected from those attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sayed Galal University Hospital with cystic lesions, larger than 3 cm on 2D-Panorama. Clinical examination was made to all patients as: Facial disfigurement, Intra-oral swelling and Sinus tract. Preoperative and after 3, 6 months postoperatively cone beam CT for every patient to determine extension of the cystic lesion, Proximity to the vital structures, Multi or uni-cystic lesion and Volumetric measurement of cystic lesion. All readings were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: The mean volumetric analysis was 21.21 ± 7.69 cm3 at base line (pre surgery), 13.96 ±5.25 cm3 after 3 months and 8.80± 4.03 cm3 after 6 months which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Decompression is an effective treatment of odontogenic cysts, leading to a high percent reduction of the lesion area

Integrated management of the coffee berry borer: A comparison of cultural, biological, and ethological control

AbstractThe coffee berry borer (CBB) is among the most harmful pests to coffee crops across the world, causing enormous harm to small‐ scale coffee farmers in northern Peru. This study aimed to contrast three different CBB control methods; cultural control (field sanitation), ethological control (red traps baited with ethanol–methanol (1:1)), biological control (use of the Beauveria sp., strain) and an integration of the aforementioned methods by comparing each control method's efficiencies and CBB reduction percentage in coffee plantations located in the province of Rodriguez de Mendoza, Amazonas. Therefore, a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was applied. Subsequently, the results showed no statistical differences among treatments carried out in this study. However, high infestation reduction percentages of up to 70% were reached, evidencing the effect of these treatments. In addition, the final results were impacted by environmental conditions and population pressure.

Cucumber Plant Mites: Survey and Capacity of Certain Pesticides against the amplest one, Tetranychus urticae Koch, in Assiut area, Upper Egypt

The trials were carried out on cucumber plants during spring plantation of 2017 season the Faculty of Agriculture Farm, Assiut University to survey the mite species inhabiting cucumber plants and the associated predators, and to evaluate certain acaricides against the most abundant one, Tetranychus urticae Koch. In general, 11 arthropod species belong to 9 families and 4 orders, other than predatory true spiders were surveyed from cucumber plants. The mite species inhabiting cucumber plants were Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tetranychus urticae Koch, Tetranychus cucurbitcearum (Sayed), Pronematus sp . and Tydes sp . and five predatory species. The pesticides used in the experiment were thiamethoxam 20% WP, acetamiprid 20%, SP dinotefuran 20% SC, methomyl 90% SP, and buprofezin 25% SC. The high percentage reduction was 95.38 for buprofezin after ten days. The highest average of reducing T. urticae was for methomyl (85.18) and buprofezin 25% (84.08), while the lowest average of reducing T. urticae was for acetamiprid (42.66). The general reduction of T. urticae was 73.46 and 75.84 for thiamethoxam and for dinotefuran, respectively. Since these pesticides are used on all sucking pests, the experiment gave good results to control T. urticae associated with other harmful pests.

Toxicity and Field Efficiency of Certain Insecticides Against the Subterranean Termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The subterranean termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)is considered one of the most dangerous termites in urban, rural and agricultural areas in the desert belt of Assiut governorate, Egypt. Organophosphate insecticides such as chlorpyrifos have been recommended to control subterranean termites in Egypt. The present research was conducted to evaluate the toxicity, persistency and effectiveness of chlorpyrifos (chlorzan 48% EC), imidacloprid (imidammex 70% WG), chlorantraniliprole (coragen 20% SC), indoxacarb (avaunt 15% EC) and spinosad (tracer 24% SC) against subterranean termites. The toxicity of these insecticides was tested against field strain of the subterranean termites using the cardboard dip-bioassay technique under laboratory conditions. The toxicity index after 12 and 24 hr exposure showed that chlorpyrifos has the highest termiticidal activity, with LC50s 1.19 and 0.13 ppm, followed by imidacloprid with LC50s 3.24 and 0.61 ppm, while spinosad was the least toxic one with LC50s.9.96 and 4.95 ppm. Furthermore, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole registered significantly high percent reduction of the infested rural homes by subterranean termite, P. hypostoma, while indoxacarb and spinosad recorded the lowest reduction percentage after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of treatment. In addition, the efficiency and residual effects of chlorpyrifos persisted up to 120 days followed by imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole after treatment. Results of this study indicated that, chlorpyrifos exhibited the most powerful pesticide among all the insecticides tested, and imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole were highly effective and it is given as unique and hopeful trends against subterranean termites under field conditions.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Etanol Daun Durian (Durio zibethinus (Linn.)) sebagai Antihiperurisemia

Durian (Durio zibethinus Linn.) leaves are known to inhibit the xanthine oxidase enzyme which can reduce uric acid levels in the blood. The purpose of study is to determine the effectiveness of ethanol extracts of durian leaves in reducing uric acid levels in hyperuricemic mice. The mice were induced with chicken’s liver juice 0,2 mL/20 gBW and potassium oxonate 250 mg/kgBW. The animals were mice with uric acid levels above 3,3 mg/dL or 6,2-7,1 mg/dL. The study was used a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and three replications, with three mice in each replications. The treatments group were K+: Allopurinol 10 mg/kgBW; K-: CMC-Na 0.5%; extracts in group P1,P2, P3, P4 are 50; 100; 200; 250 mg/kgBW. The measurements of uric acid levels were performed on day-0, day-6 after induction, and day-15 after administering each group. The data obtained were analyzed by One Way Anova test followed by Duncan's Post Hoc further test. The results showed that durian leaves could reduce uric acid levels in mice blood with the highest percentage reduction was in P2 (100 mg/kgBW) group of 40,53%, followed by P1 (50 mg/kgBW) of 38,68%. The lowest percentage was in the P4 group (250 mg/kgBW) of 22,36%, followed by the P3 group (200 mg/kgBW) of 27,71% and the ED50 value was 61,65 mg/kgBW. In conclusion, ethanol extracts of durian leaves has a significant effect on decreasing total uric acid levels in mice and has potential as an antihyperuricemia agent.