The Effectiveness of Melaleuca bracteata Oil Formula on Trapping of Fruit Fly Pests (Bactrocera spp.)

<p> </p><p>Fruit flies (<em>Bact</em><em>r</em><em>ocera</em> spp) can cause yield losses of 30-40% of the horticultural product and even crop failure. One way to control is to use an attractant with the active ingredient methyl eugenol<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">.</span> The objective of the research was to identify the catching ability and the durability of the formula on trapping fruit flies. It was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021 in orchards in the Bogor area, designed in a randomized block with 8 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of oils: (1) nutmeg, (2) cloves, (3) citronella, (4) palm, (5) melaleuca + nutmeg, (6) melaleuca + cloves, (7) melaleuca + citronella, (8 ) melaleuca + palm (1:1 ratio). As much as 1 ml of oil is dropped on a cotton swab in a trap bottle and hung on a fruit tree. Observations were made every 5 days by counting the number, type of flies, and sex of the flies trapped. It showed that nutmeg and clove oil were able to trap 5 and 7 fruit flies in the first 5 days, but subsequently no flies were trapped, while citronella and palm oil were unable to trap fruit flies. A mixture of melaleuca oil containing 84.86% methyl eugenol with nutmeg, citronella, and palm oil was able to trap fruit flies for about 3 months with a total catch of 2.479; 2.434; and 2.487, respectively, while the mixture of melaleuca+cloves was able to trap fruit flies for 4 months and was able to trap 2 female flies<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">.</span></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Attractant, <em>Bactrocera</em> spp., <em>Melaleuca bracteata</em>, methyl eugenol</p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstrak</strong></p><p><strong>Efektivitas Formula Minyak <em>Melaleuca bracteata</em> Terhadap Daya Tangkap Hama Lalat Buah (<em>Bactrocera</em> spp.)</strong></p><p>Lalat buah (<em>Bact</em><em>rocera</em> spp) dapat menimbulkan kehilangan hasil sebesar 30–40% pada produk hortikultura, bahkan gagal panen. Salah satu cara pengendaliannya adalah dengan menggunakan atraktan (pemikat) berbahan aktif metil eugenol (C₁₁H₁₄O₂)<em>. </em>Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui daya tangkap dan daya tahan formula dalam memerangkap hama lalat buah. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Oktober 2020 sampai Maret 2021 di kebun buah-buahan (rambutan, jambu biji, dan jambu air) di Bogor, dengan rancangan acak kelompok 8 perlakuan dan 3 ulangan. Perlakuan terdiri dari minyak : (1) pala, (2) cengkeh, (3) serai wangi, (4) sawit, (5) melaleuca + pala, (6) melaleuca + cengkeh, (7) melaleuca + serai wangi, (8) melaleuca + sawit (dengan perbandingan 1 :1). Sebanyak 1 ml minyak diteteskan pada kapas di dalam botol perangkap dan digantungkan pada pohon. Pengamatan dilakukan setiap 5 hari terhadap jumlah, jenis dan jenis kelamin lalat yang terperangkap. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa minyak pala dan cengkeh mampu memerangkap lalat buah sebanyak 5 dan 7 ekor berturut-turut pada 5 hari pertama, namun selanjutnya tidak ada lalat yang terperangkap, sedangkan minyak serai wangi dan sawit tidak mampu memerangkap lalat buah. Campuran minyak melaleuca yang mengandung metil eugenol 84,86% dengan minyak pala, serai wangi dan sawit mampu memerangkap lalat buah selama sekitar 3 bulan dengan total tangkapan sebesar 2,479; 2,434; dan 2,487 ekor per perangkap berturut-turut, sedangkan campuran Melaleuca dengan cengkeh mampu memerangkap lalat buah selama 4 bulan dan mampu memerangkap 2 ekor lalat betina, walaupun dengan jumlah tangkapan yang lebih rendah (2,078 ekor) daripada perlakuan lain.</p><p><strong>Kata kunci</strong> : Atraktan, <em>Bactrocera</em> spp., <em>Melaleuca bracteata, </em>metil eugenol</p>

Rapid Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria by the Naked Eye

Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus are common pathogens. Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli, contain high concentrations of endogenous peroxidases, whereas Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus, possess abundant endogenous catalases. Colorless 3,5,3′,5′-tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) changes to blue oxidized TMB in the presence of E. coli and a low concentration of H2O2 (e.g., ~11 mM) at pH of 3. Moreover, visible air bubbles containing oxygen are generated after S. aureus reacts with H2O2 at a high concentration (e.g., 180 mM) at pH of 3. A novel method for rapidly detecting the presence of bacteria on the surfaces of samples, on the basis of these two endogenous enzymatic reactions, was explored. Briefly, a cotton swab was used for collecting bacteria from the surfaces of samples, such as tomatoes and door handles, then two-step endogenous enzymatic reactions were carried out. In the first step, a cotton swab containing bacteria was immersed in a reagent comprising H2O2 (11.2 mM) and TMB for 25 min. In the second step, the swab was dipped further in H2O2 (180 mM) at pH 3 for 5 min. Results showed that the presence of Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli with a cell number of ≥ ~105, and Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus with a cell number of ≥ ~106, can be visually confirmed according to the appearance of the blue color in the swab and the formation of air bubbles in the reagent solution, respectively, within ~30 min. To improve visual sensitivity, we dipped the swab carrying the bacteria in a vial containing a growth broth, incubated it for ~4 h, and carried out the two-stage reaction steps. Results showed that bluish swabs resulting from the presence of E. coli O157: H7 with initial cell numbers of ≥ ~34 were obtained, whereas air bubbles were visible in the samples containing S. aureus with initial cell numbers of ≥ ~8.5 × 103.

Trichophyton Species Isolated from Asymptomatic Patients of the Pet-owner Pair in Mexico

Background and Purpose: Superficial mycoses are the fourth most common cause of disease worldwide. It is not surprising that zoonotic transmission occurs to humans due to close contact with different animals, be it companion or farm animals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the presence of asymptomatic dermatophyte carriers in the owner-pet pairs, identify the most common etiologic agents, and find the likely connection between the carrier status of an owner and the presence of dermatophytes in their pets. Materials and Methods: From May 2019 to January 2020, 21 cats and 115 dogs with their respective owners were selected for dermatophyte culture. All the dogs and cats included in the study were from the communities of southeastern Mexico. The samples were taken with a cotton swab, which was vigorously rubbed and twisted on the scalp or body of the pet four times and grown on Mycosel Agar. The isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The prevalence of the binomial ranged from 0.73% in pet skin and human hands to 2.2% in human scalp. In humans, the agents were Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton verrucosum, while in pets, a strain of Trichophyton sp was found. Conclusion: Different species of dermatophytes were found in the owner/pet pairs, which denotes that coexistence is not related in asymptomatic cases.

A case report on pemphigus foliaceus

Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is second most common autoimmune vesicular disease in the pemphigus family characterized by superficial blisters of the skin and rarely mucous membranes which rupture to produce scaly, crusted lesions. A 54 year old female patient admitted in female derma ward in tertiary care hospital, with the chief complaints of painful ruptured blisters all over the body with crusty, scaly patches associated with serous discharge and itching since 15 days. A positive Nikolsky’s sign is when the skin shears off easily when the surface is wiped sideways with a cotton swab or a finger. Based on both subjective and objective evidence, this case is assessed as Pemphigus Foliaceus. The plan incudes Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants, Antibiotics, Vitamin A & D supplements, IV fluids, calcium and aminoacids supplements, antivirals and antifungals (if needed), proper wound management and finally plasmapheresis.

Microbial Diversity and Activity During the Biodegradation in Seawater of Various Substitutes to Conventional Plastic Cotton Swab Sticks

The European Parliament recently approved a new law banning single-use plastic items for 2021 such as plastic plates, cutlery, straws, cotton swabs, and balloon sticks. Transition to a bioeconomy involves the substitution of these banned products with biodegradable materials. Several materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate (PHBV), Bioplast, and Mater-Bi could be good candidates to substitute cotton swabs, but their biodegradability needs to be tested under marine conditions. In this study, we described the microbial life growing on these materials, and we evaluated their biodegradability in seawater, compared with controls made of non-biodegradable polypropylene (PP) or biodegradable cellulose. During the first 40 days in seawater, we detected clear changes in bacterial diversity (Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene) and heterotrophic activity (incorporation of 3H-leucine) that coincided with the classic succession of initial colonization, growth, and maturation phases of a biofilm. Biodegradability of the cotton swab sticks was then tested during another 94 days under strict diet conditions with the different plastics as sole carbon source. The drastic decrease of the bacterial activity on PP, PLA, and PBS suggested no bacterial attack of these materials, whereas the bacterial activity in PBAT, Bioplast, Mater-Bi, and PHBV presented similar responses to the cellulose positive control. Interestingly, the different bacterial diversity trends observed for biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable plastics allowed to describe potential new candidates involved in the degradation of these materials under marine conditions. This better understanding of the bacterial diversity and activity dynamics during the colonization and biodegradation processes contributes to an expanding baseline to understand plastic biodegradation in marine conditions and provide a foundation for further decisions on the replacement of the banned single-used plastics.

Administration of oxytocin antagonist at the same time as using a Foley catheter with cotton swab before embryo transfer for cervical stenosis

Background Embryo transfer without difficulty in a patient with cervical stenosis can be a great challenge for in vitro fertilization (IVF). We report a successful pregnancy following a frozen thawed embryo transfer after administration of an oxytocin antagonist at the same time as using a Foley catheter with cotton swab in a patient with refractory cervical stenosis. Case presentation A 40-year-old woman undergoing IVF. The patient’s previous embryo transfers were difficult. For every transfer, uterine manipulation was needed, force was required, and dilatation was necessary. A Foley catheter with a cotton swab was inserted into the cervical canal, atosiban was administered at the same time, and the Foley catheter was removed immediately before embryo transfer. A smooth transfer was performed without bleeding, force, uterine manipulation, or cervical dilator. The patient became pregnant and delivered by cesarean section at term. Conclusion This method is effective in performing atraumatic embryo transfer in patients with cervical stenosis.

Utility of nasal application of lignocaine gel using cotton tip swab versus squirting with slip-tip syringe for transnasal fibreoptic bronchoscopy: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDuring flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy through the nasal route, anaesthesia of the nasal passage is achieved by lignocaine gel application by a slip-tip syringe or with the help of a cotton tip swab. No studies in existing literature have compared the two techniques in terms of efficacy.Methods137 consecutive patients undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were recruited over a 2-year period. The patients underwent BAL after nasal anaesthesia—either by slip-tip syringe or by cotton tip swab smeared with 2% lignocaine gel. Patients were monitored for intraprocedural epistaxis, discomfort and improvement in operator visibility of nasal passage.Results67 patients were randomised to cotton swab and 70 patients to the gel instillation group. There were no significant differences in terms of epistaxis, 29.9% in the cotton tip swab (95% CI 19.3% to 42.3%) versus 24.3% in the gel instillation group (95% CI 14.8% to 36%) or detection of nasal blocks, 7.5% in the cotton tip swab (95% CI 2.5% to 16.6%) versus 10% in the gel instillation group (95% CI 4.1% to 19.5%) in the two groups, although a significant difference was there in terms of visibility, 73.1% in the cotton tip swab (95% CI 60.9% to 83.2%) versus 42.9% in the gel instillation group (95% CI 31.1% to 55.3%). There was no difference in the mean pain score across the two groups either during the procedure or 1 hour after it. A short systematic review of existing literature on the topic has been provided for comparison.ConclusionApplication of 2% lignocaine gel by slip-tip syringe and cotton tip swab are equivalent in terms of observed and narrated pain experienced by patients, frequency of epistaxis and nasal blocks. Vision was better preserved in the cotton tip swab group.

Salivary cortisol in healthy dogs: a randomized cross-over study to evaluate different saliva stimulation methods and their effects on saliva volume and cortisol concentration

Background Salivary cortisol collected at home is a useful test to diagnose and monitor Cushing’s syndrome in humans. The main problem in dogs is to retrieve a sufficient amount of saliva. The aim of this study was to evaluate different salivary collection methods and compare their effects on volume, pH and cortisol concentration of saliva. Sixteen healthy Beagles were used in a 4 × 4 randomized crossover study with a washout period of 1 week between each of the following collection methods: 1. Salimetrics® cotton swab dipped in ginger powder (ginger group); 2. beef-flavored Salimetrics® (bouillon group); 3. Salivette® cotton swab with an enclosed treat (treat group); 4. plain Salimetrics® (control group). First, baseline saliva (plain cotton swab, S0) and, 2 min later, experimental saliva (according to group allocation above, SExp) were collected. Saliva was gathered by holding the swabs in the animal’s mouth for 2 min. After the cross-over study, another saliva sample was collected from all dogs by the ginger method, using a 30 s sampling time (30s-ginger method). Cortisol concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results All three stimulation methods increased saliva production significantly (S0 compared to SExp: ginger p = 0.0005; bouillon p = 0.009; treat p = 0.007). Only ginger stimulation, however, generated a significantly higher amount of saliva (SExp) compared to the control group (p = 0.00001; median (range) amount of saliva for SExp: ginger 1200 ul (600–1700), bouillon 650 ul (200–1900), treat 700 ul (300–1000), control 400 ul (0–1100)). The amount of saliva retrieved by the 30s-ginger method was still higher than that from the control group (p = 0.0004). Bouillon and treat stimulation led to decreased pH values (bouillon, p = 0.0028; treat, 0.0018). Excitement was higher in the ginger group (p = 0.01). Chewing was intensified in the ginger and treat group (ginger, p = 0.003; treat, 0.0009). The cortisol concentration SExp was higher compared to that of S0 in the ginger and treat group (p = 0.02, 0.003). The experimental cortisol concentrations (SExp) were not different between groups. Conclusions The 30s-ginger method could prove useful in evaluating or monitoring dogs with Cushing’s syndrome, as sampling at home for 30 s by the owner seems feasible.