Agadirius trojani gen. et sp. nov.: a new owlfly (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae) from Morocco

A new owlfly, Agadirius trojani gen. et sp. nov., (Ascalaphidae: Ascalaphinae), is described from the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco. The habitus is unmistakable and differs from all other owlflies, but shares some superficial features with the genus Puer Lef?bvre, 1842. Agadirius gen. nov., belongs to the subfamily Ascalaphinae (split eyed owlflies) and has genitalia consistent with the tribe Ascalaphini as defined by Tjeder and Hansson (1992)

The Larvae of European Ascalaphidae (Neuroptera)

The larvae of all the European genera of Ascalaphidae are compared for the first time, highlighting the differential characters for identification purposes. The larva of the genus Ascalaphus is described for the first time while those of Puer, Bubopsis and Deleproctophylla are deeply revised. Actually, the larvae of Ascalaphus festivus (Rambur), Puer maculatus (Olivier), Bubopsis agrionoides (Rambur), Deleproctophylla australis (Rambur), Libelloides latinus (Lefebvre), Libelloides corsicus (Rambur) and Libelloides siculus (Angelini) are described or accurately depicted for the first time. The known larvae of the genus Libelloides are reviewed

Myrmeleon punicanus n.sp., a new pit-building antlion (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae) from Sicily and Pantelleria

A new species of antlion, Myrmeleon punicanus n. sp. (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae), is described from Sicily and Pantelleria. The new taxon belongs to the formicarius-group thanks to the absence of pilula axillaris in the male hind wings, the characteristics of the male genitalia and the ecological traits. Moreover, the validity of the new species is confirmed by a DNA based phylogenetic reconstruction in which it is compared with closely related taxa. A preliminary description of the third instar larva of M. punicanus n. sp. is also given. Its habitat is the Mediterranean shrub land in which the larvae build pit-traps near shelters. Due to its ecological requirements a possible endangered status cannot be ruled out because of the anthropogenic habitat fragmentation

The stochastic digital human is now enrolling for in silico imaging trials -- Methods and tools for generating digital cohorts

Randomized clinical trials, while often viewed as the highest evidentiary bar by which to judge the quality of a medical intervention, are far from perfect. In silico imaging trials are computational studies that seek to ascertain the performance of a medical device by collecting this information entirely via computer simulations. The benefits of in silico trials for evaluating new technology include significant resource and time savings, minimization of subject risk, the ability to study devices that are not achievable in the physical world, allow for the rapid and effective investigation of new technologies and ensure representation from all relevant subgroups. To conduct in silico trials, digital representations of humans are needed. We review the latest developments in methods and tools for obtaining digital humans for in silico imaging studies. First, we introduce terminology and a classification of digital human models. Second, we survey available methodologies for generating digital humans with healthy and diseased status and examine briefly the role of augmentation methods. Finally, we discuss the trade-offs of four approaches for sampling digital cohorts and the associated potential for study bias with selecting specific patient distributions

Habitat selection for oviposition in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) through physical stimuli

Aedes aegypti puede desarrollar su fase acuática en recipientes artificiales que detecta y evalúa mediante variables físicas. En este estudio se analizó el efecto del color (negro, rojo, verde y blanco) y de la superficie del recipiente (177 cm2 y 57 cm2) sobre la respuesta de oviposición de Aedes aegypti en dos ambientes lumínicos diferentes (luz solar y 90% de sombra). Se montaron dos experimentos factoriales, uno en cada situación de luz, combinando colores y superficies. En ambas situaciones de luz se detectaron diferencias entre colores. Al sol, las trampas negras y rojas difirieron de las blancas y verdes; a la sombra, las trampas negras y rojas difirieron solamente de las verdes. Las superficies solo difirieron en la situación de sombra, con una mayor respuesta de oviposición para las de 177 cm2. A la luz solar directa, las combinaciones de colores y superficies más eficientes fueron las trampas negras y rojas de 177 cm2. A la sombra, las combinaciones más eficientes fueron las negras de 177 cm2 seguidas por las rojas y blancas de la misma superficie. Esto sugiere que el efecto del color sería más fuerte que el de la superficie y que la respuesta de Aedes aegypti hacia los colores dependería del ambiente lumínico circundante a las trampas.Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) can develop its aquatic phase in artificial containers that females detect and evaluate through physical variables. The objective of the present study was to analyse the effect of colour (black, red, green and white) and container surface (177 cm2 and 57 cm2) on the oviposition response of Aedes aegypti under two light environments (sunlight and 90% shade). Two factorial experiments were performed combining the different levels of colours and diameters in each light situation. Significant differences were detected among colours in both light situations. Under sunlight, black and red traps showed differences with white and green traps, while under shadow black and red traps differed from green traps. Both trap surfaces differed only under the shadow situation, where the oviposition response was higher for the 177 cm2 traps. Treatments with highest oviposition response in the sunlight were black and red traps of 177 cm2, and no differences were observed between them. Under shadow, traps with greater oviposition response were black traps of 177 cm2 followed by red and white traps with the same surface. These results suggest that the colour effect would be stronger than the surface effect and the response of Aedes aegypti to colours would depend on the light environment of the traps

Review of Antlions (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) in North Macedonia

We present the state of knowledge on the family Myrmeleontidae occurring in North Macedonia based on published records, museum specimens and new samples, and provide a comprehensive species list. North Macedonia represents only 3.9% of the area of the Balkan Peninsula but harbours 19 species belonging to 14 antlion genera, i.e., 61% of the peninsular fauna. We report collection localities, literature records and biological data for each species. Three species, Nemoleon poecilopterus, Neuroleon assimilis and Myrmeleon inconspicuus, are reported for the first time in North Macedonia. The genus Nemoleon Navás is also reported for the first time in the country

Alelopatía diferencial entre los géneros de un árbol invasor dioico sobre plantas de desierto

"The Peruvian peppertree (Schinus molle) is a dioecious species from South America that was introduced into central Mexico five centuries ago. This tree has invaded abandoned agricultural fields from semiarid regions, where it can be found with several native succulent plants that have recolonized these areas. Although peppertrees have negative allelopathic effects on crops, their effects on these native plants remain unknown. Indeed, the allelopathy of peppertrees has only been tested for female individuals, while the allelopathic potential of male peppertrees has not been assessed yet. This study focused on these issues and assessed whether peppertrees affect germination of succulent plants from the Chihuahuan Desert and whether these effects differ between male and female trees. For this we conducted a series of germination bioassays where seeds of native species were watered with aqueous extracts of staminate flowers and leaves produced by male peppertrees, and with aqueous extracts of fruits and leaves produced by female peppertrees. Additionally, we conducted experiments where seeds of native species were sowed on soils collected beneath the canopy of both tree genders. The results of all these experiments indicated that both peppertree genders can reduce germination of native species, but also suggested that male peppertrees would have stronger allelopathic effects than female peppertrees. To our best knowledge, this is the first study reporting allelopathic effects of peppertrees on native plants from Mexico, but this is also the first study indicating differential gender effects for invasive dioecious species with allelopathic potential.""El pirul (Schinus molle) es una especie dioica de Sudamérica que fue introducida en México hace cinco siglos atrás. Este árbol ha invadido campos agrícolas abandonados de regiones semiáridas, donde puede ser encontrado con varias especies de plantas suculentas nativas que han recolonizado estas áreas. Aunque los pirules tienen efectos alelopáticos negativos sobre los cultivos, sus efectos sobre estas plantas nativas siguen siendo desconocidos. De hecho, la alelopatía de los pirules sólo se ha probado para individuos femeninos, mientras que el potencial alelopático de los pirules masculinos aún no se ha evaluado. Este estudio se enfocó en estos temas y evaluó si los pirules inhiben la germinación de plantas suculentas del desierto Chihuahuense y si estos efectos diferen entre árboles masculinos y femeninos. Para ello se realizó una serie de bioensayos de germinación donde semillas de las especies nativas fueron regadas con extractos acuosos obtenidos de fores estaminadas y hojas producidas por pirules masculinos, y con extractos acuosos de frutos y hojas producidas por pirules femeninos. Adicionalmente, realizamos experimentos donde semillas de las especies nativas fueron sembraron en suelos recogidos bajo el dosel de ambos géneros de pirul. Los resultados de todos estos experimentos indicaron que ambos géneros del pirul pueden reducir la germinación de especies nativas, pero también sugirieron que los pirules masculinos tendrpian efectos alelopáticos más fuertes sobre las especies nativas que los pirules femeninos. Hasta donde estamos enterados, este es el primer estudio que reporta efectos alelopáticos de los pirules sobre plantas nativas de México, pero esto también es el primer estudio que indica los efectos de diferenciales del género para especies invasoras dioicas con potencial alelopático.

European association of echocardiography recommandations for standardization of performance, digital staorage and reporting of echocardiographic studies

peer reviewedIn view of the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE) mission statement “To promote excellence in clinical diagnosis, research, technical development, and education in cardiovascular ultrasound in Europe” and the increasing demand for standardization and quality control, the EAE have established recommendations and guidelines for standardization of echocardiography performance, data acquisition (images, measurements and morphologic descriptors), digital storage and reporting of echocardiographic studies. The aim of these recommendations is to provide a European consensus document on the minimum acceptable requirements for the clinical practice of echocardiography today and thus improve the quality and consistency of echocardiographic practice in Europe

Detección del virus papiloma humano (HPV) y citología de Papanicolaou en mujeres de bajos recursos de la ciudad de Posadas, Misiones, Argentina

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de la infección por HPV y de lesiones cervicales en mujeres asistidas en un centro de salud situado en un área de bajos recursos de la ciudad de Posadas, Misiones, Argentina. Las muestras (n = 163) fueron examinadas mediante las pruebas de Papanicolaou y de PCR para HPV. Los factores socio-culturales de riesgo fueron identifcados mediante el cálculo de la odds ratio (OR, IC 95 %). Se detectaron lesiones cervicales en el 14,7 % de las mujeres. La prevalencia de infección por HPV fue de 38 %. Los tipos más frecuentes en la población total fueron HPV-16 (9,8 %) y HPV-33 (9,3 %). El HPV-16 se detectó asociado al 29,2 % y al 6,5 % de las mujeres con lesiones del cuello uterino y sin ellas, respectivamente, con un OR de 5,3 (1,8-15,8). Los factores de riesgo para la infección por HPV-16 fueron el hábito de fumar y el antecedente de enfermedades de transmisión sexual. Estos datos son importantes para la ejecución de los programas de prevención, incluyendo una introducción adecuada de la vacunación y la línea de base para la vigilancia virológica en la era de la vacuna.The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV infection and cervical lesions present in women who attended a health center in a low-resource area of the city of Posadas, Misiones, Argentina. Cervical cell samples (n = 163) were processed for Papanicolaou cytology and HPV-PCR tests. Socio-cultural risk factors were estimated using the odds ratio (OR, CI 95 %). Cervical lesions were detected in 14.7 % of women. The general prevalence of HPV infection was of 38 %. The most common types among the total population were HPV-16 (9.8 %) and HPV-33 (9.3 %). HPV-16 was detected in association with 29.2 % and 6.5 % of women with and without cervical lesions, respectively, the OR being 5.3 (1.8-15.8). Risk factors for HPV-16 infection were a smoking habit and a history of previous sexually-transmitted diseases. These data are important for the implementation of prevention programs, including an appropriate introduction of vaccination and the baseline for virological surveillance in the vaccine era.Fil: Badano, Ines. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Pedrozo, Rene W.. Provincia de Misiones. Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Ruiz Diaz, Laura S.. Provincia de Misiones. Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Galuppo, Juan A.. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Picconi, María A.. Direccion Nacional de Instituto de Investigacion. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud "Dr. C. G. Malbran". Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Departamento de Virologia; ArgentinaFil: Campos, Rodolfo Hector. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Liotta, Domingo Javier. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Aplicada; Argentin