Checklist of terrestrial Parasitengona mites in Fennoscandia with new species- and distribution records (Acariformes: Prostigmata)

The knowledge of terrestrial Parasitengona in Fennoscandia lies far behind that of their aquatic counterparts, the water mites (Hydrachnidia). Based on new inventories, we provide primary data and an annotated checklist of terrestrial Parasitengona in Fennoscandia including 107 species. Out of these, nineteen species are new findings for the region and five are species potentially new for science. Twenty-three species are new for Norway, fourteen for Finland and eleven for Sweden. The known recorded fauna today of terrestrial Parasitengona is 80 species for Norway, 54 for Sweden and 48 for Finland. Primary data include georeferenced locality data as well as collecting techniques and microhabitat to increase the knowledge on species' habitat requirements

Un acarien de la famille Tanaupodidae (Arachnida, Acari, Parasitengona) du Crétacé inférieur de France

Atanaupodus bakeri n. gen., n. sp. est décrit à partir d’un spécimen postlarvaire dans l’ambre d’Archingeay, France (Albien, Crétacé inférieur). Cet Acarien est classé parmi les Tanaupodidae Thor, 1935 du fait de sa ressemblance avec le genre actuel Tanaupodus Haller, 1882 mais cette position est provisoire car plusieurs caractères importants ne sont pas visibles sur l’unique exemplaire. Des espèces actuelles de Tanaupodus sont associées aux habitats d’eau douce en Europe, ce qui s’accorde bien avec la fréquence élevée des taxons aquatiques dans l’ambre d’Archingeay. Celui-ci est le premier fossile connu des Tanaupodidae et le plus ancien représentant des Parasitengona à être décrit de l’ambre. L’utilisation de “l’organe Lassenia” dans des analyses phylogénétiques des Parasitengona est critiquée car sa présence est symplésiomorphe au sein de ce groupe.Atanaupodus bakeri n. gen., n. sp. is described from a postlarval specimen in amber from Archingeay, France (Albian, Lower Cretaceous). This mite is placed in the Tanaupodidae Thor, 1935 because of its general similarity to the extant genus Tanaupodus Haller, 1882, but this assignment is provisional because several important characters cannot be observed in the single available fossil. Extant Tanaupodus species are associated with freshwater habitats in Europe, which concord with the high frequency of aquatic taxa observed in Archingeay amber. This is the first fossil record of Tanaupodidae and the oldest described representative of the Parasitengona in amber. The use of the “Lassenia organ” in phylogenetic analyses of Parasitengona is criticized because its presence is symplesiomorphic within this group.</p

O efeito lupa da genética para determinar a diversidade e especificidade de ácaros em lagartos endémicos da ilha de Socotra

Trabajo presentado en el XIV Congreso Luso-Español de Herpetología (CLEH2016), XVIII Congreso Español de Herpetología (Challenges of Herpetology in the XXI century), celebrado en Lleida del 5 al 8 de octubre de 2016.[EN] Ectoparasitic mites, being a diverse group of arachnids, are commonly observed attached to vertebrate hosts in the field. The mammal and bird-associated mites have been intensely studied, whereas the knowledge of host-parasite associations between mites and reptiles is scarce, partly due to difficulties in collecting, identification and sample preparation of these tiny arthropods. There are at least two reasons to justify the necessity of detailed research into ectoparasite fauna and host-parasite associations: i) comprehensive investigations of mites often show a high level of phylogenetic congruence between host and parasite, thus providing a valuable insight into host biogeography; and ii) ectoparasites are vectors of many infectious diseases. We extracted DNA from a total of 167 mites attached to 65 lizards of four genera and 11 species inhabiting Socotra Island (Yemen) and also conducted morphological analyses of mites to aid in identification. Based on morphological ID, the examined mites represent Pterygosomatidae (58/167) and two subfamilies of Trombiculidae (109/167). We successfully sequenced 59 mite individuals, using primers targeting the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene region of invertebrates, and performed phylogenetic analyses together with data available from GenBank. The resulting sequences formed well-supported monophyletic groups, distinct from those composed of published sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a general congruence with host taxonomy, with two trombiculid subfamilies (Leeuwenhoekiinae and Trombiculinae) retrieved primarily from distinct host genera. The subfamily Leeuwenhoekiinae was retrieved only from host of Pristurus genus (Sphaerodactylidae), with the majority from P. sokotranus, one sequence from P. obsti and another from P. insignis. Analogously, the subfamily Trombiculinae was retrieved from host of Haemodracon (Phyllodactylidae) and Hemidactylus (Gekkonidae) genera. Network analysis of new sequences showed the existence of 11 lineages. The lineages differed by more than 5% for COI and had a maximum of 2% intra-lineage genetic divergence. Surprisingly, one lineage was composed of sequences from mites that were identified based on morphological characteristics as belonging to distinct mite families, Pterygosomatidae and Trombiculidae. Our results point to the importance of investigating the diversity of ectoparasites using molecular tools to clarify their taxonomy, and the need to use multiple molecular markers to solve taxonomic incongruences when relying only on morphological characteristics.[PT] Os ácaros ectoparasitas são um grupo diverso de organismos e são regularmente observados agarrados a animais selvagens no campo. Os ácaros associados a mamíferos e aves têm sido intensamente estudados, enquanto que o estudo das associação parasita-hospedeiro entre ácaros e répteis é limitado, em parte devido às dificuldades na identificação e preparação destes ácaros minúsculos. Existem pelo menos duas razões que justificam a necessidade de efectuar uma investigação mais detalhada sobre a fauna de ectoparasitas e associações parasita-hospedeiro: i) estudos demonstram que os ácaros frequentemente evidenciam um elevado nível de congruência filogenética entre parasita-hospedeiro e por isso podem apresentar padrões importantes para a compreensão da biogeografia do hospedeiro; e ii) são frequentemente vectores de doenças infecciosas. Extraímos ADN de um total de 167 ácaros encontrados adjuntos a 65 indivíduos de quatro géneros e 11 espécies de lagarto de Socotra (Iémen) e também realizámos análises morfológicas para ajudar na identificação destes ácaros. Com base nos caracteres morfológicos, estes ácaros representam a família Pterygosomatidae (58/167) e duas subfamílias de Trombiculidae (109/167). Destes, 59 foram sequenciados com sucesso, usando primers para o gene Citocromo Oxidase I (COI) de invertebrados, e realizadas análises filogenéticas juntamente com dados do GenBank. As novas sequências obtidas neste estudo formam grupos monofiléticos bem suportados, diferentes das sequências publicadas. As análises filogenéticas demonstraram, em geral, uma congruência com a taxonomia do hospedeiro, com as duas subfamílias de trombiculídeos (Leeuwenhoekiinae and Trombiculinae) sendo obtidas maioritariamente de géneros de hospedeiros diferentes. A subfamília Leeuwenhoekiinae foi obtida apenas em hospedeiros do género Pristurus (Sphaerodactylidae), sendo a maioria de P. sokotranus, uma sequência de P. obsti e outra de P. insignis. Analogamente, a subfamília Trombiculidae for obtida em hospedeiro dos géneros Haemodracon (Phyllodactylidae) e Hemidactylus (Gekkonidae). A rede de haplótipos mostrou a existência de 11 linhagens. Estas linhagens diferiam em mais de 5% para o gene COI e tinham um máximo de 2% de divergência genética dentro da mesma linhagem. Surpreendentemente, uma linhagem é composta por sequências de ácaros que morfologicamente foram identificados como pertencentes a famílias de ácaros distintas, Pterygosomatidae e Trombiculidae. Estes resultados demonstram a importância de investigar a diversidade de ectoparasitas usando métodos moleculares para ajudar a clarificar a taxonomia e a necessidade de usar múltiplos marcadores moleculares para resolver as incongruências taxonómicas que ocorrem ao se basear apenas em características morfológicas.N

Parasitism of Trombidium brevimanum larvae on agrobiont linyphiid spiders from Germany

An experiment on three differently-managed agricultural fields in Ahlum, Germany, which aimed at establishing the impact of different management systems on the biodiversity of predators and decomposers, yielded a significant number of spiders parasitized by larvae of Trombidium brevimanum (Actinotrichida, Parasitengona, Trombidiidae). Spider data from the whole sampling period (September 2010-July 2012), indicated that ectoparasitic larvae were recorded only on spiders in pitfall traps in the period of June-July 2011. In this period, only eight species of Linyphiidae-out of 42 species assigned to nine spider families recorded from the study area-were parasitized by mites; considerable levels of parasitism were recorded on Erigone atra, E. dentipalpis, and Oedothorax apicatus. The highest prevalence of parasitism was recorded on the organic field for E. atra (29 %), while on the integrated and conventional fields significantly fewer parasitized spiders were observed. The preferred attachment sites on the spider host were regions with softer cuticle, especially regions on the carapace and on the abdomen, adjacent to the pedicel

Improving benefit-harm assessment of glucocorticoid therapy incorporating the patient perspective: The OMERACT glucocorticoid core domain set

Objective: Our primary objective was to develop an Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core domain set to capture the impact of glucocorticoids (GC), both positive and negative, on patients with Rheumatic conditions. Methods: The OMERACT Filter 2.1 was used to guide core domain selection. Systematic literature reviews, qualitative studies and quantitative surveys were conducted by the OMERACT GC Impact working group to identify candidate domains for a core domain set. A summary of prior work and Delphi exercise were presented at the OMERACT 2020 virtual GC workshop. A proposed GC Impact core domain set derived from this work was presented for discussion in facilitated breakout groups. Participants voted on the proposed GC Impact core domain set. Results: 113 people, including 23 patient research partners, participated in two virtual workshops conducted at different times on the same day. The proposed mandatory domains to be evaluated in clinical trials involving GCs were: infection, bone fragility, hypertension, diabetes, weight, fatigue, mood disturbance and death. In addition, collection of disease specific outcomes was included in the core domain set as “mandatory in specific circumstances”. The proposed core domain set was endorsed by 100% (23/23) of the patient research partners and 92% (83/90) of the remaining participants, including clinicians, researchers and industry stakeholders. Conclusion: A GC Impact core domain set was endorsed at the OMERACT 2020 virtual workshop. The OMERACT GC Impact working group will now progress to identify, develop and validate measurement tools to best address these domains in clinical trials

Improving benefit-harm assessment of glucocorticoid therapy incorporating the patient perspective: The OMERACT glucocorticoid core domain set

Objective: Our primary objective was to develop an Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core domain set to capture the impact of glucocorticoids (GC), both positive and negative, on patients with Rheumatic conditions. Methods: The OMERACT Filter 2.1 was used to guide core domain selection. Systematic literature reviews, qualitative studies and quantitative surveys were conducted by the OMERACT GC Impact working group to identify candidate domains for a core domain set. A summary of prior work and Delphi exercise were presented at the OMERACT 2020 virtual GC workshop. A proposed GC Impact core domain set derived from this work was presented for discussion in facilitated breakout groups. Participants voted on the proposed GC Impact core domain set. Results: 113 people, including 23 patient research partners, participated in two virtual workshops conducted at different times on the same day. The proposed mandatory domains to be evaluated in clinical trials involving GCs were: infection, bone fragility, hypertension, diabetes, weight, fatigue, mood disturbance and death. In addition, collection of disease specific outcomes was included in the core domain set as “mandatory in specific circumstances”. The proposed core domain set was endorsed by 100% (23/23) of the patient research partners and 92% (83/90) of the remaining participants, including clinicians, researchers and industry stakeholders. Conclusion: A GC Impact core domain set was endorsed at the OMERACT 2020 virtual workshop. The OMERACT GC Impact working group will now progress to identify, develop and validate measurement tools to best address these domains in clinical trials

Improving benefit-harm assessment of glucocorticoid therapy incorporating the patient perspective: The OMERACT glucocorticoid core domain set

Objective: Our primary objective was to develop an Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core domain set to capture the impact of glucocorticoids (GC), both positive and negative, on patients with Rheumatic conditions. Methods: The OMERACT Filter 2.1 was used to guide core domain selection. Systematic literature reviews, qualitative studies and quantitative surveys were conducted by the OMERACT GC Impact working group to identify candidate domains for a core domain set. A summary of prior work and Delphi exercise were presented at the OMERACT 2020 virtual GC workshop. A proposed GC Impact core domain set derived from this work was presented for discussion in facilitated breakout groups. Participants voted on the proposed GC Impact core domain set. Results: 113 people, including 23 patient research partners, participated in two virtual workshops conducted at different times on the same day. The proposed mandatory domains to be evaluated in clinical trials involving GCs were: infection, bone fragility, hypertension, diabetes, weight, fatigue, mood disturbance and death. In addition, collection of disease specific outcomes was included in the core domain set as “mandatory in specific circumstances”. The proposed core domain set was endorsed by 100% (23/23) of the patient research partners and 92% (83/90) of the remaining participants, including clinicians, researchers and industry stakeholders. Conclusion: A GC Impact core domain set was endorsed at the OMERACT 2020 virtual workshop. The OMERACT GC Impact working group will now progress to identify, develop and validate measurement tools to best address these domains in clinical trials

Listening to patients, for the patients: The COVAD Study-Vision, organizational structure, and challenges

Background: The pandemic presented unique challenges for individuals with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) due to their underlying condition, the effects of immunosuppressive treatments, and increased vaccine hesitancy. Objectives: The COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases (COVAD) study, a series of ongoing, patient self-reported surveys were conceived with the vision of being a unique tool to gather patient perspectives on AIRDs. It involved a multinational, multicenter collaborative effort amidst a global lockdown. Methods: Leveraging social media as a research tool, COVAD collected data using validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The study, comprising a core team, steering committee, and global collaborators, facilitated data collection and analysis. A pilot-tested, validated survey, featuring questions regarding COVID-19 infection, vaccination and outcomes, patient demographics, and PROs was circulated to patients with AIRDs and healthy controls (HCs). Discussion: We present the challenges encountered during this international collaborative project, including coordination, data management, funding constraints, language barriers, and authorship concerns, while highlighting the measures taken to address them. Conclusion: Collaborative virtual models offer a dynamic new frontier in medical research and are vital to studying rare diseases. The COVAD study demonstrates the potential of online platforms for conducting large-scale, patient-focused research and underscores the importance of integrating patient perspective into clinical care. Care of patients is our central motivation, and it is essential to recognize their voices as equal stakeholders and valued partners in the study of the conditions that affect them