Semi-automated analysis of supraclavicular thermal images increases speed of brown adipose tissue analysis without increasing variation in results.

Interest in brown adipose tissue remains high a decade after it was determined to be present outside of the neonatal period. In vivo imaging, however, has remained a challenge due to the lack of a imaging modality suitable for large healthy-volunteer studies, post-prandial investigations and vulnerable groups, such as children. Infrared thermography is increasingly accepted as a valid, non-invasive and flexible alternative but there is a wide approach to analysis between different groups.

Brown Adipose Tissue Response to Cold Stimulation Is Reduced in Girls With Autoimmune Hypothyroidism.

Objective: The interaction between thyroid status and brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation is complex. We assessed the effect of autoimmune hypothyroidism (ATD) in female children on BAT activation, measured using infrared thermography.

Design: Twenty-six female participants (14 with ATD and 12 healthy controls) between 5 and 17 years of age attended a single study session.

Sexual Dimorphism of Brown Adipose Tissue Function.

Objective: To determine whether brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity in school-age children differs between the sexes and to explore the impact of dietary intake, sedentary behavior, and picky/fussy eating.

Study Design: Children aged 8.5-11.

Brown adipose tissue activation as measured by infrared thermography by mild anticipatory psychological stress in lean healthy females.

What is the central question of this study? Does psychological stress, which is known to promote cortisol secretion, simultaneously activate brown adipose tissue function in healthy adult females? What is the main finding and its importance? One explanation for the pronounced differences in brown adipose tissue function between individuals lies in their responsiveness to psychological stress and, as such, should be taken into account when examining its in vivo stimulation. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and is a potential therapeutic target. Brown adipose tissue can have a significant impact on energy balance and glucose homeostasis through the action of uncoupling protein 1, dissipating chemical energy as heat following neuroendocrine stimulation.

Evaluating the Performance and Preference of Aphytis melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on an Exotic Species, Acutaspis albopicta (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), and Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae).

Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell) is an exotic scale detected on imported ‘Hass’ avocados arriving in California from Mexico. An effort was made to understand how well this species might be biologically controlled by the parasitoid, Aphytis melinus DeBach. In no-choice trials, single life stages of A.

Developmental biology of an exotic scale, Acutaspis albopicta (Hemiptera: Diaspididae).

Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell) is one of seven exotic scale species detected on shipments of'Hass' avocados entering California from Mexico. Here, we present the results of experiments to elucidate basic life history parameters of this species. The scale only reproduces sexually with unmated females producing no offspring.

Identification of the sex pheromone of the invasive scale Acutaspis albopicta (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), arriving in California on shipments of avocados from Mexico.

As a result of relaxation of importation restrictions ordered by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shipments of fresh avocados from Mexico began entering California year-round in 2007, despite the fact that these shipments were heavily infested with a number of exotic and potentially invasive armored scale species that are not thought to be present in California.

Evaluation of neonicotinoid, organophosphate and avermectin trunk injections for the management of avocado thrips in California avocado groves.

Background: Trunk injections of systemic insecticides were evaluated for the management of avocado thrips. Insecticide residues were quantified in leaves to determine when after treatment, and for how long, toxic concentrations of the insecticides were present. Residues in fruit were quantified to determine whether trunk injection of insecticides might present a greater risk than traditional application methods for contaminating fruit.