Northeast Region Research Articles

A new species of Cis Latreille (Coleoptera: Ciidae) widespread in Brazil but with similarities to the African fauna

Cis caramelo sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected in the North, Northeast, and Southeast Regions of Brazil. It stands out for being more similar to the species of Cis Latreille from Africa than South America. Cis caramelo sp. nov. fits into the Cis neserorum species-group, being morphologically similar to Cis aster Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, but differing in the presence of a sex patch on the first abdominal ventrite of males and in the morphology of the aedeagus, with a wide tegmen lacking acute tips on the sides and a penis wide and sclerotized at its basal portion, abruptly narrowed and membranous apically. Brief descriptions and images of immatures of C. caramelo sp. nov. are also provided.

ANÁLISE DO PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DAS INTERNAÇÕES E ÓBITOS POR LEUCEMIA NO BRASIL NA FAIXA ETÁRIA PEDIÁTRICA: UMA ANÁLISE DO ANO DE 2017 ATÉ A ATUALIDADE.

The present study is based on the epidemiological analysis of leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, which has a high prevalence and incidence rate in the pediatric population, as well as a significant impact on mortality in this age group. The objective of this research is to analyze the national profile of hospital admissions and deaths due to leukemia from 2017 to the present. For this purpose, secondary data from the Hospital Information System (SIH) and the Mortality Information System (SIM), collected from the DATASUS digital platform, were used. The selected variables included age groups under 1 to 19 years, male and female gender, and racial/ethnic categories of white, mixed-race, black, Asian, and indigenous populations. The results revealed a higher prevalence and incidence of hospitalizations for leukemia over the years, particularly in the Southeast, Northeast, and South regions, with a significant concentration in the 1 to 9-year age group, among males, and in the mixed-race and white populations. Regarding the number of deaths, substantial data were observed in the Southeast, Northeast, and North regions, predominantly in individuals aged 10 to 19 years, among males, and in the white and mixed-race populations. Given the above, the urgency of addressing leukemia in the pediatric population in Brazil is evident, as it impacts patients’ quality of life, the vital statistics of this population, and the healthcare system. The data highlight the need for public health actions to reduce regional disparities in specialized cancer care, late diagnoses, and ineffective and limited treatments.

Coupling Coordination Analysis Between Reclaimed Water Utilization Capacity and Effect in China

Reclaimed water utilization is one of the major strategies used to achieve sustainable development in China and for alleviating issues linked to insufficient water supply. This study leverages panel data encompassing 30 provinces in mainland China from 2011 to 2022 to establish a comprehensive evaluation index system for measuring the development level of reclaimed water utilization capacity and utilization effect. On the basis of this index, the development rule of coupling coordination between reclaimed water utilization capacity and utilization effect is explored using the coupling coordination degree model, Moran’s I index, and the grey GM (1,1) model. Experimental results show that the current utilization capacity and effect of reclaimed water in most provinces of China do not match. Moreover, China’s reclaimed water utilization capacity index was shown to gradually increase from 2011 to 2022. The reclaimed water utilization capacity index of the eastern region is significantly higher than the central region, which is lower than the national average, followed by the northeast region, and the western region obtains the lowest index. The calculation results of the coupling coordination model further demonstrate the coupling coordination degree between the reclaimed water utilization capacity; moreover, the effects of provinces and cities in China steadily increased, and there is a clear spatial clustering. The predicted results indicate that the abovementioned situation will likely continue until 2030. This study is anticipated to become a point of reference for relevant departments to optimize the coupling coordination degree of reclaimed water systems across different regions in China, implement differentiated measures, and promote a rational allocation of reclaimed water resources.

Evolution of orthodontic services in the Brazilian Unified Health System: a time series analysis (2011-2022).

Although malocclusion is the third most prevalent oral health condition, orthodontics is not part of the minimum list of mandatory specialties to be offered in the Dental Specialty Centers of the Brazilian public health system, but rather as optional. Since the acknowledgment of this field as a part of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), access to orthodontic procedures has become optional by municipal governments. Therefore, this study analyzed the evolution of orthodontic procedure provision within SUS from 2011 to 2022. We conducted a retrospective observational study of time series analysis trends on the number of orthodontic procedures and municipalities offering them. The presentation of findings followed the recommendations of the Reporting of Studies Conducted using Observational Routinely Collected Data. Secondary data from 2011 to 2022 were collected from the SUS Department of Informatics. Orthodontic procedures were organized by year, region, state, and municipality. The study applied descriptive analyses, and the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regressions for time series analysis. The quantity of municipalities offering orthodontic procedures have shown a small increasing during period analyzed (from 128 to 157). Northeast and South macro-regions have increased consistently the municipalities with orthodontic offering. All regions showed stable trends for each procedure, except for the South, which exhibited increasing rates of space maintainer placement (Annual Percentage Change (APC): 72.95; 95% CI: 31.6, 127.3) and maintenance sessions (APC: 15.40; 95% CI: 4.5, 27.5). The study showed decreasing trends for appliance removal in the South (APC: -38.07; 95% CI: -47.1, -27.5) and Northeast (APC: -25.19; 95% CI: -36.5, -11.9) regions. From 2011 to 2022, there was a small increase in number of municipalities offering orthodontic procedures in the Brazilian public health system, in addition to a stationary trend for almost all types of procedures.

A new species of Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccinellinae: Chnoodini) from northeastern Brazil

The ladybird genus Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccinellinae: Chnoodini) includes five species distributed in South America. We describe and illustrate a new species, Coeliaria almeidae sp. nov., found in Casa Nova, Bahia, Brazil. It is the second found in the Northeast Region of Brazil and the first in the Caatinga. We provide an updated identification key for all species of Coeliaria and present new notes on morphology, host plants and prey records. We also provide new records of Coeliaria bernardinensis (Brèthes, 1925).

Abstract 4133488: Persistent Disparities in Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease-Related Mortality across Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity in the United States, 1999 - 2020

Background: Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease (CIHD) is a heterogeneous group of cardiac diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies demonstrated a decline in CIHD mortality rate (MR) but there is paucity of data on contemporary trends across different demographics in the United States (US). We examined the national trends in age-adjusted CIHD-MR (overall and stratified by demographics) in the US from 1999 to 2020. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed national death certificate data from the CDC WONDER database from 1999 to 2020. The underlying cause of death from CIHD was identified with ICD-10 code I25 in adults aged ≥35 years and the age-adjusted mortality rate was calculated per 100,000 population. We categorized race/ethnicity as Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Latino or Hispanic, and other non-Hispanic groups. Trends in age-adjusted CIHD-MR (AAMR) were analyzed by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and geographic region were evaluated with Joinpoint regression, and expressed as an average annual percentage change (AAPC) with a 95% confidence interval. For sensitivity analysis, we repeated the study with data from death certificates that had CIHD as a contributing cause of death. Results: Out of 3.55 billion people aged ≥ 35 years, 5,985,088 died of CIHD (AAMR: 158.2 per 100, 000) [53.9% male, 81.6% NHW, 38.8% ≥85 years]. The AAMR was highest in males, the Northeast region, and NHB (Table 1). The AAMR was highest in those aged ≥85 years and was directly related to age (35-44 years: 8.3 per 100,000; ≥85 years: 1,943 per 100,000). The CIHD AAMR declined significantly overall in males, all races/ethnicities, and geographical areas (Table 1). Reanalysis (Sensitivity analysis) with any mention of CIHD as a contributing cause of death showed similar trends. Conclusion: Over the 22 years, CIHD-related mortality in the US has declined overall and for almost all demographic groups. However, there are age, gender, and racial disparities in the CIHD AAMR. These findings highlight the need for further longitudinal studies to understand the drivers of these disparities and for focused public health interventions to improve CIHD mortality outcomes in these populations.

Financial Compensation of Academic Otolaryngologists in the United States: Trends and Distribution.

The aim of this study was to assess recent trends in financial compensation in the field of academic otolaryngology, and distribution based on rank, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographical regions in academic medical centers. The AAMC Faculty Salary Survey was used, which collects information for full-time faculty at US academic centers. Financial compensation data for otolaryngology faculty with MD or equivalent degree were collected from 2017 to 2023, stratified by rank, gender, race/ethnicity, and geographical region. The AAMC Faculty Salary Survey data for 2023 included responses for 1641 faculty members from academic otolaryngology departments. Median faculty compensation increased on an average 0.58%-2.81% per year from 2017 to 2023, with the greatest increase at the senior ranks and smaller increases at the Instructor rank. Male faculty members were consistently compensated more than women at all ranks throughout the study period, and the salary gap increased at the higher academic ranks. Black/African American faculty had a lower median compensation compared to White faculty at all ranks. Faculty members in the northeast region had the highest median compensation at all ranks. This study summarizes the trends of otolaryngology faculty compensation and shows persistent salary inequities at academic medical centers in the United States. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

New Diagnoses of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background/Objective Little is known about the rates of rheumatic disease diagnosis among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in the United States. Methods We performed a historical cohort study using US commercial insurance data (2016–2021) to identify children aged <18 years without prior JIA diagnosis or treatment in the prior ≥12 months. New JIA diagnoses were identified using a combination of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, location, and timing of medical services. Crude rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of JIA diagnosis per 100,000 enrolled children per quarter were estimated and stratified by age group, sex, region, JIA type, and uveitis. The incidence rate ratio (95% CI) for JIA diagnosis was estimated using Poisson regression, adjusted for various demographic variables. Results From 2018–2021, 643 children were diagnosed with JIA. Crude new JIA diagnoses per 100,000 children per quarter dropped from 2.62 (95% CI, 2.39–2.87) prepandemic to 1.94 (95% CI, 1.66–2.25) during the pandemic. Declines in JIA diagnosis were more apparent in the US Northeast and West regions and among children aged 6–11 years. After adjustment for covariates, JIA diagnoses fell by 30% during the pandemic compared with the prior 3 years (IRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59–0.83). Conclusions Compared with the prepandemic period, JIA was diagnosed 30% less often during the early pandemic among commercially insured children in the United States. More research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for these changes in JIA diagnosis and more recent trends.

Differential diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in children: a five-year retrospective study at a pediatric referral hospital.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by sandflies of the genus Lutzomyia. Children under 15 years are disproportionately affected. In pediatric patients, the clinical and laboratory features of VL often overlap with those of other infectious and hematology-oncology diseases, making differential diagnosis challenging. Rapid and accurate identification of VL is critical for effective treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients initially suspected of having VL and to compare their final diagnoses upon discharge from a referral hospital. We retrospectively analyzed medical records of children with suspected VL, admitted between July 2014 and June 2019. Infectious diseases were confirmed in 61% of cases (86 patients), with VL confirmed in 55 cases. Hematology-oncology diseases were the second most common diagnosis, affecting 22.7% of patients (32 cases). Comparisons between the VL-confirmed group and those with other diagnoses revealed no significant age difference (p = 0.690). However, female sex, spleen size, and leukopenia were identified as significant predictors of VL. Female sex, spleen size, and leukopenia were key predictors for differentiating VL from other pediatric diseases in a referral center in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

Escalating threat of human-perceived heatwaves in Brazil

Abstract Heatwaves pose significant threats to socioeconomic and environmental systems, with their intensity and frequency expected to increase due to climate change. Despite their critical impacts, future heatwaves in Brazil remain underexplored, especially from a human-perceived perspective, which is crucial for assessing potential public health impacts. Here, we propose a method to assess heatwaves using the humidex (H) – a climate index that combines temperature and relative humidity to indicate human-perceived heat - alongside traditional temperature-based measures. Using bias-corrected simulations from 10 CMIP6 models under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, we quantified projected changes in heatwaves across Brazil. The results indicate that heatwaves will become more severe and prolonged, with greater changes under the SSP5-8.5 scenario by the end of the century, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central regions. The magnitude of human-perceived heatwaves is expected to rise faster than temperature-based ones, underscoring the need for public health-focused assessments. CMIP6 models strongly agree on increased future heatwaves, potentially tripling population exposure in most Brazilian states, with the Southeast experiencing greater changes due to its larger population. These events are expected not only to affect more people but also to be more severe, exceeding over 60 days per year of serious danger (H > 45°C) by the end of the century under SSP5-8.5. Record-shattering events in the historical period are projected to become the norm by mid-century, highlighting the accelerating nature of these extreme events. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering human-perceived heat in climate impact studies and public health planning to mitigate potential impacts.

Investigation of thunderstorm characteristics with severe lightning events over NE region of India

Abstract. The north eastern region (NER) of India is among the hotspot regions for thunderstorm events leading to substantial loss of lives and properties every year. A reliable thunderstorm early warning system can prevent these losses. As these events are highly dynamic, prediction becomes equally challenging. Diagnostic studies of such events could provide more understanding of lightning and storms over a region which could then be used as input for the prediction of such events. Improving the efficiency of the prediction of associated meteorological parameters could improve the prediction of thunderstorm. In this study, two thunderstorm events have been identified with high lightning flash counts, using observations from the INSAT-3D satellite and lightning detection sensors. These observations revealed that one of the events was caused by a cloud system that originated elsewhere and travelled over the area of impact while the other event was an isolated convective system that occurred over a small region. The characteristic features of thunderstorms, like vertical wind velocity, cloud ice water content, relative humidity, cloud fraction and radar reflectivity, etc. were simulated using the WRF model. These simulations were validated with the ERA-5 reanalysis data and observations from Radar and satellite data. Validation results suggest that the WRF model could predict these features associated with thunderstorm events quite reliably. The study helped to improve the severe weather warning over NER of India and the stakeholders are trained on effective utilization of such warning.

Evaluating the Soil Properties of Different Land Use Types in the Deviskel Watershed in the Hilly Region of Northeast Türkiye

Evaluating the Soil Properties of Different Land Use Types in the Deviskel Watershed in the Hilly Region of Northeast Türkiye

Nested multilevel modelling study of smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption among middle aged and elderly Indian adults: distribution, determinants and socioeconomic disparities

IntroductionThe Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows a drop in tobacco use worldwide. Despite the drop, there still continues to be a significant number of tobacco users in India. Research on tobacco use among young persons is commonly prioritised in India, while studies on tobacco use among middle-aged (45–59 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) adults are noticeably lacking. We have conducted this study with objective to estimate the distribution, determinants and socioeconomic inequalities of smoking (SM) and smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption across Indian states and union territories.MethodsThis study was based on 66,606 participants aged ≥ 45 years using Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)-1 (2017–2018) data. Distribution of tobacco consumption (any form, smoking (SM), smokeless (SLT) and both) was documented as per Indian states and union territories with spatial distribution by Indian map. Demographic, socioeconomic, health related and behavioural determinants were established using nested multilevel regression modelling. Socioeconomic disparities were documented using concentration curve. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 36.78% participants documented using any form of tobacco; with higher consumption of SLT (19.88%) than smoking/SM (13.92%). Only 2.98% consumed both. Mizoram had highest consumption of tobacco in any form (78.21%) and smoking (35.18%). Elderly participants had higher odds of consuming tobacco (any 1.23 (1.18–1.28), SM 1.99 (1.14–1.27), SLT 1.08 (1.03–1.14) and both 1.27 (1.14–1.40 times) than middle aged participants. Females, OBC (other backward castes), urban residence had lower odds in all the categories, while being widow/ separated/ divorced, belonging to Muslim community, having clerical and skilled occupation, poor self-rated health, comorbidity and multimorbidity had higher odds. With decrease in the wealth index, educational status and frequency of physical activity the odds of tobacco consumption increased. The odds of higher tobacco consumption were documented from northeast region (2.56 (2.37–2.76) higher than north). Alcohol consumption had the highest odds (4.94 (4.69–5.21)). Participants exposed to media had lower odds (11% lower) of consuming tobacco. The socioeconomic inequalities in tobacco consumption were significantly distributed more among the poorest (any -0.064 (-0.072 to -0.056) and SLT -0.069 (-0.072 to -0.056)).ConclusionPrioritising tobacco prevention and increasing availability and accessibility of cessation programmes that are suited with unique requirements and circumstances, even for elderly population, are essential focusing on the higher determinants across poorest section in the country.

Investigation of biomass gasification and fluidization behaviour for pilot double tapered bubbling fluidized bed reactor.

The present investigation discusses syngas production through gasification from six different bamboo biomass species available in India's northeast region (Mizoram). The thermochemical conversion of biomass to syngas is accomplished in a novel double-tapered reactor. The pre-processing stage of biomasses includes various shredding, drying, and sieving methods. In the processing stage, the biomass (20g) is fed to the reactor regularly. The heating element in the interior of the reactor supplies the heat required (600-1000°C) for the combustion and gasification of biomass samples. The influence of various particle sizes on bed voidage, pressure drop, bed height, suspension density, gas yield, heat transfer, and carbon conversion efficiency is studied. The tapered reactor enhanced the bed hydrodynamics. It is observed that the H2 and CO2 composition increases with the temperature (> 900°C), whereas the CO composition is reduced as a result of the shift reaction. However, the CH4 yield is enhanced at a temperature (< 800°C) but lessened at higher temperatures due to a reduction in moisture content. The carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) and the dry gas yield (YG) values obtained are better for the particle size of 1.18mm than the other particle sizes. The energy from biomass resources is promising regarding sustainability, availability, and efficacy. The current approach discusses the syngas generation from bamboo biomass through gasification under varied temperature ranges (600-1000°C), equivalence ratio (0.2), particle sizes (380µm, 600µm, and 1.18mm), superficial velocity (0-2m/s) in a pilot 5kg/h DTBFBR of height 1.2m and maximum inner diameter of 16.5cm.

Physical and chemical characterization of fruits from autochthonous accessions of umbu trees (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) of the Brazilian Northeast region

Physical and chemical characterization of fruits from autochthonous accessions of umbu trees (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) of the Brazilian Northeast region

Refractive Profiles in Children Receiving School-Based Eye Exams Following Vision Screening from a Large School-Based Vision Program in 2016 to 2022

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe refractive error findings and associated factors in students who received school-based eye exams following vision screenings. Methods Cross-sectional study of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students who failed vision screening and underwent a school-based eye exam in the Northeast region of the United States during 2016–2022. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction and visual acuity measurements were used to categorize refractive error by type and severity. Main outcomes included any refractive error (at least −0.50D myopia, +0.50 hyperopia, 1.00D astigmatism, or 1.00D anisometropia), clinically significant refractive error (CSRE; more severe refractive error with decreased vision), and refractive amblyopia risk (RAR). Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine student- and school-level characteristics associated with refractive error outcomes. Results Of 103,159 included students who failed screening, 95,875 (92.9%) were analyzed. Overall prevalence of any refractive error was 94.2%, with 81.7% having CSRE. Pre-kindergarten & kindergarten students had the highest prevalence of CSRE (85.7%), which dropped to 77.0% by 3rd and 4th grade before rising with each higher grade level thereafter. Prevalence of RAR was 60.9% overall and highest in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students (73.8%). Myopia was the most prevalent refractive error, followed by astigmatism, anisometropia, then hyperopia. The odds of hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia decreased with higher grade level. Conclusion Over 80% of students who failed vision screening at a large school-based vision program had CSRE, and over 60% had RAR. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students had an especially high prevalence of RAR. Refractive error remained common in every grade level.

AIDS mortality in Brazil, 2012–2022: a time series study

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a health problem in Brazil and worldwide. Without treatment, the infection can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), with a high mortality potential. The objective of this study was to analyze the time trend of AIDS mortality in Brazil, macro-regions, federal units and their respective capitals, from 2012 to 2022.MethodsThis is a time-series study of all AIDS deaths in Brazil from 2012 to 2022. The study included the annual number of deaths and the crude and standardized mortality rates. The Joinpoint regression model was used for the time analysis of the standardized rates. Annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were calculated. A 95% confidence interval (CI) and a 5% significance level were used.ResultsDuring the period analyzed, 128,678 AIDS deaths were recorded in Brazil, with a crude mortality rate of 6.3/100,000 and a standardized mortality rate of 5.3/100,000. From 2012 to 2020, three regions showed a declining trend in AIDS mortality: Central-West (AAPC − 2.3%; 95%CI -4.3 to -0.21; p = 0.03), Southeast (AAPC − 5.6%; 95%CI -6.8 to -4.0; p < 0.001), and South (AAPC − 4.4%; 95%CI -5.27 to -3.6; p < 0.001). There was also a downward trend in 10 states and 10 capitals. There was an increase in the number of deaths from 2020 onwards in the North, Northeast and Southeast regions compared to 2019.ConclusionThere was a downward trend in AIDS mortality from 2012 to 2020 and an upward trend from 2020 to 2022. The regional differences observed could reflect the social disparities that exist in Brazil. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the process of dealing with HIV in Brazil.

Emergency department use before cancer diagnosis in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study.

Although suspicions of cancer may be raised in patients who visit the emergency department, little is known about emergency department use before a cancer diagnosis. We sought to describe emergency department use among patients in Ontario within the 90 days before confirmed cancer diagnosis and to evaluate factors associated with this emergency department use. We conducted a retrospective, population-based study of patients aged 18 years or older who had a confirmed cancer diagnosis in Ontario from 2014 to 2021 using linked administrative databases. The primary outcome was any emergency department visit within 90 days before the cancer diagnosis date. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with emergency department use, such as demographics (e.g., age, sex, rurality, Ontario Health region, indicators of marginalization), comorbidities, previous emergency department visits and hospital admissions, continuity of primary care, type of cancer, and year of cancer diagnosis. We included 651 071 patients with cancer. Of these, 229 683 (35.3%) had an emergency department visit within 90 days before diagnosis, 51.4% of whom were admitted to hospital from the emergency department. Factors associated with increased odds of emergency department use before cancer diagnosis included rurality (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.17), residence in northern Ontario (North East region OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.10-1.17 and North West region OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.21-1.32, v. Toronto region), and living in the most marginalized areas (material resources OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.35-1.40 and housing OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.11, v. least marginalized quintile). We observed significant variation in emergency department use by cancer type, with high odds of emergency department use among patients with intracranial, pancreatic, liver or gallbladder, or thoracic cancer. Emergency department use is common before cancer diagnosis, with about one-third of patients with cancer in Ontario using the emergency department before diagnosis. Understanding why patients visit the emergency department before cancer diagnosis is important, particularly for patients who live in rural or marginalized areas, or those who have specific cancer types.

Optimizing Eri Silkworm Productivity: Evaluating the Performance of Ecoraces of Samia ricini (Donovan) in the East Coastal Condition of Tamil Nadu, India

This study investigated raising Eri silkworms, Samia ricini (Donovan) a multi-voltine, domestic moth, traditionally bred indoors and known for its spun silk, in the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Eri silkworms typically thrive in the northeast regions, but the growing demand for Eri silk has led to exploring new locations for their production. The eight ecoraces of Eri silkworm i.e. C2, Borduar, Khanapara, Mendipathar, Dhanubanga, Nongpoh, Borduar and Titabar were selected for this study reared on castor plants under varied climatic conditions in Tamil Nadu. The economic and grainage characters such as larval duration, matured larval weight, survival rate, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, effective rearing rate, rate of pupation, rate of moth emergence, fecundity and hatchability were analyzed. This study revals that C2 ecorace consistently outperformed the other ecoraces, exhibiting superior growth parametrics, cocoon quality, and silk production potential.Findings indicate that optimal temperature and humidity conditions are crucial for enchancing performace, particularly for sensitive ecoraces like Barpathar and Nongpoh, highlighting the importance of ecorace selection and environmental management for sustainable eri silk production.

Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species and zearalenone concentration in commercial maize kernels in northern Ghana.

The fungal genus Fusarium contains many toxigenic pathogens of maize with associated yield losses, reduction of grain quality, and accumulation of mycotoxins in harvested grains. To determine zearalenone (ZEN) concentration and identify the various Fusarium species in commercial maize grains, a survey of 75 maize samples, collected from 11 market centers in the five regions in northern Ghana was identified based on morphological characteristics, sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region, and polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers. ZEN levels were determined using HPLC. ZEN contamination was recorded in 33.3% of the maize samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.61 to 3.05µg/kg. Based on VERT1/2 and TEF 1-α sequencing, F. verticillioides was the most prevalent species in the studied samples: 40.35% from the Upper East Region, 28.07% from the North East Region, 19.30% from the Upper West Region, 10.53% from the Savannah Region, and 1.75% for the Northern Region. Other fungal species found were F. equiseti and F. solani. A higher number of the Fusarium isolates were found in white maize (609 isolates from 27 samples) compared to yellow maize (225 isolates from 23 samples).