Role of cardiac resynchronization therapy in the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation: A single-center prospective study.

Albeit several studies examined the association between cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF), results are still unclear and quite conflicting. We thereby designed a single-center prospective study to determine whether CRT has a favorable effect on the incidence of new-onset AF in a homogeneous population of patients with non-ischemic idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure HF. We enrolled 58 patients, AF naïve when received CRT. After 1 year of follow-up our population was subdivided into responders (72.4%) and non (27.6%), so to compare the incidence of AF after 1, 2 and 3 years of follow-up in these two groups. Already after 1 year, there is a significant (p<0.05) difference in new-onset AF in non-responder patients respect to responders (18.2% vs 3.3%). These data are confirmed at 2 year (33.3% vs 12.2%) and 3 year (50.0% vs 15.0%) follow-up. In particular, at 3 year follow-up, non-responders have an increased risk to develop new-onset AF (OR=5.67, 95% confidence interval = 1.36-23.59, p=0.019). The present work suggests a possible favorable role of this non-pharmacological therapy, on the prevention of AF

Polyphenolic extracts from the olive mill wastewater as a source of biopesticides and their effects on the life cycle of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera, Tephriditae)

AbstractThe Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Tephriditae) is an important pest in the Mediterranean region causing severe economic losses. Currently, pyrethroids are the most common insecticides used in the control of the Medfly. However, the demand for biopesticides is growing due to the necessity to limit the use of hazardous chemical pesticides in the context of the integrated pest management. In this context, a valid alternative is the use of plant derived pesticides with a selective action against target pests and a shorter persistence in ecosystems.Among plant products, olive tree phenolic and polyphenolic compounds show potent bioactive properties as insecticides and growth regulators. The olive mill wastewater is an important source of these compounds.We are reporting here that the polyphenolic fractions of the olive mill wastewater, show ovicidal effects in terms of reduction of the hatching rate, whereas the larval development is not affected by the treatments.On the adults, we show that selected fractions induce a complete block of the fecundity of the females probably due to an induced disruption of the oogenesis.These results suggest that the polyphenolic fractions derived from the olive mill wastewater can be used as a strong natural chemosterilant against the Mediterranean Fruit fly and can be considered as a putative ovicidal agent

Seasonal biology of Melanagromyza albocilia (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and seasonal patterns of field bindweed infestation, under field conditions in Slovakia

Melanagromyza albocilia Hendel, a stem borer of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) was observed at three sites in Slovakia during 1999 and 2000. The insect overwintered as pupa. The first generation adults emerged in May and those of second during June—August. Percentage of infested field bindweed plants varied from 46.7% to 99.2% and number of infested stems from 4.1% to 37.2%. Infested stems contained an average of 0.84 ± 0.40 to 1.34 ± 0.50 specimens (larvae, parasitized larvae, pupae). The population of M. albocilia was the highest in 1999, with mean densities of 1.57 ± 1.01 to 3.21 ± 2.13 specimens/plant. All parasitoids emerged from larvae were identified as Bracon picticornis Wesmael

PAPEETE: Private, Authorized, and Fast Personal Genomic Testing

Over the past few years, the increased affordability of genome sequencing and the ensuing availability of genetic data have propelled important progress in precision medicine and enabled a market for personal genomic testing. This yields exciting new opportunities for faster and more accurate diagnosis, personalized treatments, and genetically tailored wellness plans. At the same time, however, it also creates important security and privacy threats. In this paper, we present a new cryptographic protocol, PAPEETE (Private, Authorized, fast PErsonal gEnomic TEsting) suitable for running different types of tests on users\u27 genetic data--specifically, SNPs. The protocol, which builds on additively homomorphic encryption, provides privacy for both users and test facilities, and it guarantees that the test is authorized by an appropriate authority like the FDA. Finally, we present a prototype implementation of PAPEETE, and an experimental evaluation that attests to the real-world practicality of our techniques

Paternity analyses for the planning of SIT projects against the red palm weevil

The red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is an invasive pest from southeastern Asia and Melanesia that has spread widely across the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin over the last 30 years. Its endophagous larvae cause huge amounts of damage to several palm tree species from the Arecaceae family. Many of these palms are economically important for agricultural and ornamental purposes. Therefore, a lot of attention has recently been focused on studying this species with the aim of identifying sustainable and effective eradication strategies. Sterile insect techniques are biological control strategies that are currently being investigated for their potential to eradicate this pest in selected invasion areas. Mating system features (e.g., polyandry and related features) can affect the success and suitability of these approaches. The main goal of this research was to assess the performance of a previously developed microsatellite panel in terms of the paternity assignment of progeny from laboratory mating experiments. Using a simulation approach, we evaluated the reliability of the microsatellite markers in the paternity tests both in complex laboratory experiment scenarios and on the progeny of wild-caught gravid females to help future studies on the RPW mating system. As a case study of the simulation results, we performed two double-mating experiments, genotyped the progeny and estimated the P2 values to compare to the expected progeny genotypes according to the crossing scheme of each experiment. The results of our simulations on laboratory experiments showed that it was possible to carry out paternity assignments for all progeny with reliable statistical confidence using our 13 microsatellites set. On the contrary the low genetic variability measured in red palm weevil populations in invaded areas made the resolution power of our loci too low to carry out paternity analyses on natural populations. Results of laboratory crossing were completely congruent with the expectations from the Mendelian laws

Three new Aceria species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Centaurea spp. (Asteraceae) from Turkey

During 2001 and 2002, we examined Turkish populations of eriophyid mites infesting Centaurea solstitialis L. and C. squarrosa Willd. (Asteraceae). The analyses of the morphometric data, induced symptoms, and the morphological comparison with the descriptions of known species allowed us to identify three new Aceria species, here described and illustrated. Aceria solcentaureae and A. solstitialis were collected on C. solstitialis, and A. squarrosae was associated with C. squarrosa in Cappadocia. Infested plants were stunted, showing reduced growth, a heavy broom-like appearance being bushy, with the apical parts of the stems and flowerheads still green and fresh during the hot and dry season, less spiny than usual, and producing smaller seedheads. Additional information is given about the ecology of these associations and on the potential role of these eriophyids as control agents. Key words: mites, Eriophyidae, weeds, knapweeds, biological control. TRE SPECIE NUOVE DI AceriA (ACARI: ERIOPHYOIDEA) SU centAureA SPP. (ASTERACEAE) DALLA TURCHIA Durante il biennio 2001-2002, campioni di Centaurea solstitialis L. e C. squarrosa Willd. (Asteraceae) a sviluppo alterato sono stati raccolti in Turchia ed esaminati per individuarne le cause. L’analisi dei dati morfometrici della popolazione di eriofidi rinvenuta e la comparazione di questi e della sintomatologia con le altre specie note sul gruppo delle Centaurea hanno consentito di individuare 3 nuove specie di Eriophyidae appartenenti al genere Aceria. Sono state, quindi, descritte e illustrate A. solcentaureae e A. solstitialis, raccolte su Centaurea solstitialis, e A. squarrosae rinvenuta su C. squarrosa. Le piante infestate mostravano una crescita stentata e ridotta in altezza, ad aspetto cespitoso e affastellato, con le parti apicali dei fusti e delle infiorescenze ancora verdi e fresche nel periodo caldo e secco, con capsule provviste di “spine” morbide ed elastiche, e con una minore produzione di semi. Informazioni aggiuntive vengono riportate circa gli aspetti ecologici di questa associazione e il potenziale impiego delle specie come agenti di controllo biologico. Key words: acari, Eriophyidae, erbe infestanti, controllo biologico

Insights into the microbes and nematodes hosted by pupae of the arundo leaf miner, Lasioptera donacis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

The leaf miner Lasioptera donacis Coutin (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a biological control agent of the invasive weed, Arundo donax L. (Poaceae), that was approved for release in the U.S. and Mexico. Pupae are preferred for shipment of living material to quarantine facilities. There is a question of whether emerged females would carry conidia of a potential mutualist fungus, and in particular the saprophyte Arthrinium arundinis, from the pupa or if they would have to acquire the conidia exclusively from the plant to start the oviposition process. We artificially smeared leaf-sheaths of growing plants with A. arundinis before being exposed to female midges, and maintained these host plants until the pupal stage of the midge developed. Polymerase chain reaction methods were applied to detect A. arundinis and any other potential fungi in these pupae. Only 9% of the pupae were infested by fungi or yeast, predominantly belonging to the genus Sarocladium, but not A. arundinis, confirming that the newly emerged females are free of this fungus and will have to acquire conidia present on the leaf-sheath for successful oviposition. We also tentatively tested by PCR for the presence of parasitic nematodes in these pupae. More than 42% of the pupae were shown to be infested specifically by T. gyraloura. Such high infection rate calls for developing methods to eliminate this parasite or to find a parasitefree native population prior to release of L. donacis adults in North America for biological control of A. donax

The host range and impact of Aceria angustifoliae (Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent against Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifoliae (Elaeagnaceae) in North America

ABSTRACTRussian Olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia was introduced into North America primarily as a wind break and shade tree. Today it is listed as a noxious weed in the U.S. and Canada. During field s..

The feeding behaviour of gall midge larvae and its implications for biocontrol of the giant reed. Insights from stable isotope analysis

The gall midge Lasioptera donacis, whose larval stage interferes with the reed’s leaf development, is a potential candidate agent for the biological control of Arundo donax. Reed infestation is always associated with the presence of a saprophytic fungus, Arthrinium arundinis, which is believed to provide food for the larvae. Larvae also interact with a parasitic nematode, Tripius gyraloura, which can be considered its natural enemy. To deepen our knowledge of the plant–fungus–insect trophic interactions and to understand the effects of the nematode on midge larval feeding behaviour, we applied stable isotope analysis, one of the most effective methods for investigating animal feeding preferences in various contexts. The results showed that on average the fungus accounted for 65% of the diet of the midge larvae, which however consumed the reed and the fungus in variable proportions depending on reed quality (expressed as the C:N ratio). No differences in feeding behaviour were observed between parasitised and non-parasitised midge larvae, indicating that nematodes have no effect in this regard. Due to its trophic habits, L. donacis could be an effective control agent of A. donax and these results need to be considered when implementing biological control measures

A New Metaculus Species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae) From Serbia: A Combined Description Using Morphology and DNA Barcode Data

A new species of eriophyoid mite, Metaculus diplotaxi n. sp. inhabiting Diplotaxis tenuifolia ( L.) DC., is described from Serbia. To investigate interspecific variability between Metaculus spp. on three different Brassicaceae host plants ( viz. D. tenuifolia, Lepidium latifolium ( L.), Isatis tinctoria ( L.)), we analyzed phenotypic variability of morphological traits and molecular sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( MT- CO1). Discriminant analysis identified seven traits that significantly differentiate three Metaculus spp: M. lepidifolii, M. rapistri, and M. diplotaxi n. sp. Analysis of MT- CO1 sequences supported the results obtained from the analysis of morphometric features