Comparative aspects of the internal reproductive system of males in species of Melolonthinae, Dynastinae, and Rutelinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from Mexico

The anatomy of the internal male reproductive systems of 12 species of Melolonthinae (Phyllophaga, Chlaenobia, Macrodactylus, Isonychus), six species of Dynastinae (Cyclocephala), and three species of Rutelinae (Paranomala) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) of Mexico are described. A total of 350 male specimens representing 21 species were collected. From each species, the reproductive systems were obtained by micro-dissection, placed in a liquid fixative, stained, and drawn to scale. The internal genitalia of each species was described and compared among the species examined. The reproductive system of the Melolonthinae species is comprised of two testicles, each with six follicles, two deferent ducts, two accessory glands, two glandular ducts, an ejaculatory duct, and the aedeagus (not described for any of the species examined). The number of testicular follicles per testicle is as reported in different species of other Scarabaeoidea subfamilies. The length of the accessory glands and the ejaculatory duct varies in the species studied. The ejaculatory bulb is present in all of the species of Dynastinae and Rutelinae examined but in only three species of Melolonthinae.Se describió la anatomía del sistema reproductivo interno de los machos en 12 especies de Melolonthinae (Phyllophaga, Chlaenobia, Macrodactylus, Isonychus), seis de Dynastinae (Cyclocephala) y tres de Rutelinae (Paranomala) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) de México. Se recolectaron un total de 350 ejemplares machos representantes de 21 especies. De cada especie se obtuvieron los sistemas reproductivos por microdisección y fueron colocados en un líquido fijador, después teñidos y dibujados a escala. Se describió la genitalia interna de cada especie y se comparó entre las especies examinadas. El sistema reproductivo de las especies de Melolonthinae consta de dos testículos cada uno con seis folículos, dos conductos deferentes, dos glándulas accesorias, dos conductos glandulares, un conducto eyaculador y el edeago (no descrito en ninguna especie). El número de folículos testiculares por testículo es igual al conocido en diferentes especies de otras subfamilias de Scarabaeoidea. La longitud de las glándulas accesorias y del conducto eyaculador varían dependiendo de cada especie estudiada. Un bulbo eyaculador está presente sólo en tres especies de Melolonthinae y en todas las especies de Dynastinae y Rutelinae examinadas

Contests in two fronts

Within the framework of Game Theory, contests study decision-making in those situations or conflicts when rewards depend on the relative rank between contenders rather than their absolute performance. By relying on the formalism of Tullock success functions, we propose a model where two contenders fight in a conflict on two fronts with different technology levels associated: a front with large resource demand and another with lower resource requirements. The parameter of the success function in each front determines the resource demand level. Furthermore, the redistribution or not of resources after a tie defines two different games. We solve the model analytically through the best-response map dynamics, finding a critical threshold for the ratio of the resources between contenders that determines the Nash Equilibrium basin and, consequently, the peace and fighting regimes. We also perform numerical simulations that corroborate and extend these findings. We hope this study will be of interest to areas as diverse as economic conflicts and geopolitics.Comment: 21 pages, 11 figure

Diversity among clinical isolates of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus mitis: indication for a PBP1-dependent way to reach high levels of penicillin resistance

A total of 12 non-epidemiologically related clinical isolates of Streptococcus mitis that showed different levels of resistance to penicillin were studied. Membrane-protein profiles and penicillin-binding protein (PBP) patterns showed a great polymorphism; and patterns of 4—7 PBPs, withsizes that ranged from ~101 kDa to ~40 kDa, were detected in eachstrai n. No association could be found between PBP pattern and resistance level to penicillin among these isolates. Arbitrarily primed PCR confirmed the genetic diversity among this group of streptococci. One of the isolates of intermediate level of resistance to penicillin, which showed a PBP pattern similar to that of the high-resistance strains, was used as a laboratory model to analyse the mechanism underlying high-resistance acquisition by these strains. A 14-fold increase in penicillin resistance was obtained after a single selection step, which resulted in a decrease in penicillin affinity for PBP1. The size of this PBP (92 kDa) and the differences in PBP profiles of the penicillin-resistant clinical isolates suggest the existence in S. mitis of PBP-mediated mechanisms to acquire high-level resistance to penicillin, among which alterations in PBP1 seem to play a main role, in contrast to the PBP2X mediated mechanism described for other streptococci

DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA LARVA Y PUPA DE EUPHORIA BASALIS (GORY & PERCHERON, 1833) (COLEOPTERA: MELOLONTHIDAE: CETONIINAE) CON OBSERVACIONES SOBRE SU BIOLOGÍA

Three larval instars and pupa of Euphoria basalis (G. & P.) are described for the first time, with specimens collected and reared near San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. Drawings of diagnostic structures and data about the life cycle and habits of this species are included.Se describen los tres estadios larvarios y la pupa de Euphoria basalis (Gory & Percheron, 1833) con base en ejemplares recolectados en San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México. Se incluyen ilustraciones diagnósticas y datos sobre el ciclo de vida y los hábitos de esta especie

Riqueza del complejo chisa (coleoptera: melolonthidae) en cuatro agroecosistemas del cauca, colombia

La composición y variación de la riqueza del complejo de larvas Melolonthidae se examinó en cuatro circunstancias agroecológicas en los municipios de Caldono y Buenos Aires, Cauca (1400 a 1500 m.s.n.m, 21,5ºC. y 2000 mm/año de precipitación promedio). Quincenalmente, durante un año, se visitaron parcelas de media hectárea de yuca, pastizal, cafetal y bosque, en cada parcela y ocasión se realizaron 10 muestreos ( 1m2 por 15 cm de profundidad). Se colectaron 10.261 larvas pertenecientes a 32 especies y 12 géneros de Melolonthidae, así: Phyllophaga, Plectris, Astaena, Macrodactylus, Ceraspis, Barybas, Isonychus, Anomala Callistethus, Strigoderma, Leucothyreus, Cyclocephala. La riqueza de especies presentó variaciones estadísticamente significativas entre localidades (F=87.24 p =2.72-18), muestreos (F=22.29 p =5.18-13), parcelas (F= 23.39 p=1.40-13) así como entre la mayoría de interacciones. Los promedios de riqueza fueron: yuca (4.5 ), pastizal (3.6), café (2.1) y bosque (2.2), cada uno con grandes fluctuaciones que hicieron la diferencia. Se discuten las curvas de isodensidades de cada parcela y sus implicaciones en el programa de manejo. Abstract Richness of the white-grub complex (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in agroecosystems of the Cauca province, Colombia. The composition and variation in the richness of the complex of rhizophagous Melolonthidae larvae was examinated in four agroecological zones in the Municipality of Caldono (1400-1500 m, 21.5ºC, average rainfall 2000 mm/yr) with complementary surveys in the neighbouring site of Buenos Aires, Cauca. Half-hectare plots (cassava, pastures, coffee and wooded areas) were selected and visited every 15 days (total of 15 visits per plot), and a total of 10 samples were taken (1 m2 by 15 cm deep). In total, 10,261 larvae of 32 species were collected: Phyllophaga, Plectris, Astaena, Macrodactylus, Ceraspis, Barybas, Isonychus, Anomala Callistethus, Strigoderma, Leucothyreus, Cyclocephala. The richness of species varied significantly among sites (F=87.24; p =2.72-18), samples (F=22.29; p=5.18-13), plots (F=23.39; p=1.40-13). In most cases, the average rates for richness were: pastures (3.6), cassava (4.5), coffee (2.11) and wooded areas (2.2). They all had substantial fluctuations, which accounts for the differences. The isodensity curves for each plot are presented and discussed. Key words: Melolonthidae, rhizophagous, larvae, Coleoptera. Cauca, Colombi

Rapid decrease in titer and breadth of neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved SVR

The main targets for neutralizing anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (HCV-nAbs) are the E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins. We have studied the characteristics of HCV-nAbs through a retrospective study involving 29 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with pegIFNα+ribavirin anti-HCV therapy. Plasma samples at baseline and week 24 after SVR were used to perform neutralization assays against fve JFH1-based HCV recombinant viruses coding for E1 and E2 from genotypes 1a (H77), 1b (J4), 2a (JFH1), 3a (S52) and 4a (ED43). At baseline, the majority of plasma samples neutralized 1a, 1b, 2a, and 4a, but not 3a, genotypes. Twenty-four weeks following SVR, most neutralizing titers declined substantially. Furthermore, titers against 3a and 2a were not detected in many patients. Plasma samples with high HCV-nAb titers neutralized all genotypes, and the highest titers at the starting point correlated with the highest titers at week 24 after SVR. In conclusion, high titers of broad-spectrum HCV-nAbs were detected in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, however, those titers declined soon after SVRThis study was supported by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII; grant numbers PI14/01094 and PI17/00657 to JB, PI17/00903 to JGG, PI14CIII/00011 and PI17CIII/00003 to SR) and Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad (grant number EC11-241). Te study was also funded by the RD16CIII/0002/0002, RD16/0025/0018, and RD16/0025/0017 projects as part of the Plan Nacional R+D+I and co-funded by ISCIII- Subdirección General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER

Fauna de escarabajos melolóntidos (coleoptera: scarabaeoidea) en el municipio de Villaflores, Chiapas, México

A first approach to the knowledge of the Melolonthid beetles of the region Frailesca in the State of Chiapas, Mexico, is presented. Most part of the original tropical deciduous forest today is replaced by great extensions with agricultural and cattle production. Studied localities were Francisco Villa, Cuauhtémoc, El Jardín and the surrounds of Villaflores city, all from the municipality of Villaflores. Diurnal and nocturnal systematic collections of adult beetles were made in agricultural parcels during May to September, 2006, by mean of light traps, transects, and fruit traps We obtained 6,780 specimens that represent four subfamilies, eight tribes, 17 genera and 46 species. The genera with greatest number of species and individuals were Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis and Ligyrus; along with the species of the genera Cyclocephala, Anomala and Strigoderma cover 88,7% of the total abundance. An updated list of the 368 species of Melolonthidae recorded in the state of Chiapas is included.Como un primer acercamiento al conocimiento de los escarabajos melolóntidos de la región Frailesca de Chiapas, México, caracterizada por un ambiente original de bosque tropical caducifolio, en su mayor parte ahora reemplazado por grandes extensiones con producción agrícola y ganadera, se realizó la presente investigación en los ejidos de Francisco Villa, Cuauhtémoc, El Jardín y la ciudad de Villaflores, pertenecientes al municipio de Villaflores. En parcelas agrícolas se hicieron recolectas sistemáticas, diurnas y nocturnas, de escarabajos adultos durante los meses de mayo a septiembre de 2006. Se obtuvieron 6,780 ejemplares, que representan a cuatro subfamilias, ocho tribus, 17 géneros y 46 especies. Los géneros con mayor número de especies e individuos fueron Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis y Ligyrus; junto con los escarabajos de los géneros Cyclocephala, Anomala y Strigoderma cubren el 88.7 % de la abundancia total. Se incluye una lista actualizada de las 368 especies de Melolonthidae registradas en el estado de Chiapas

Fauna de scarabaeoidea (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) de Calmeca, Tepexco, Puebla, México

A comparative study of Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea in the community of Calmeca, Tepexco, Puebla, Mexico is presented. Samples of beetles were taken from November 2013 to November 2014 in a place with induced pasture land with neighboring crops (SP) and a site representative of deciduous forest with secondary vegetation (SC). By mean of necrotraps, rotten fruit traps and hand collecting, 945 specimens were obtained, representing 28 species in six families of Scarabaeoidea. The SP had the highest species richness with 27 species; the most abundant species was E. intermedius (30.19%) with 257 specimens, followed by D. gazella (14.33%) with 122 specimens. In the SC the most abundant species were C. (C.) humectus (20.21%) and C. (C.) pluto (20.21%) each with 19 specimens collected. No significant differences between the two sampling sites (p = 0.111) were found. The Calmeca beetle community was grouped in eight feeding guilds. At both sites most recorded species belong to the coprophagous guild (SP 37% & SC 53%), the necrophagous guild (SP 14.8% & SC 26.6%) and the phytophagous guild (SP 18% & SC 13%). The SP had a higher functional richness with eight guilds, compared with the SC with four guilds; in the SC no species of predator, antophilous, and rhizophagus guilds were recorded.RESUMEN. Se presenta un estudio comparativo de los coleópteros Scarabaeoidea establecidos en la comunidad de Calmeca, Tepexco, Puebla, México. Se realizaron muestreos de noviembre de 2013 a noviembre de 2014 en dos sitios, un sitio de potrero con cultivos aledaños (SP) ubicado a 1,389 msnm y un sitio representativo de selva baja caducifolia con vegetación secundaria (SC) ubicado a 1,441 msnm. Mediante el uso de necrotrampas, trampas de fruta y recolecta directa se  obtuvieron 945 ejemplares, representantes de 28 especies distribuidas en seis familias de Scarabaeoidea. La mayor riqueza se presentó en el SP con 27 especies, de las cuales las más abundantes fueron E. intermedius (30.19%) con 257 ejemplares, seguida de D. gazella (14.33%) con 122 ejemplares. Por otra parte en el SC las especies másabundantes fueron C. (C.) humectus (20.21%) y C. (C.) pluto (20.21%) cada una con 19 ejemplares recolectados. Con respecto a la diversidad, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los dos sitios de muestreo (p = 0.111). La comunidad de escarabajos de Calmeca se agrupó en ocho gremios alimentarios. En ambos sitios la mayoría de las especies registradas pertenecen a los gremios coprófago (SP 37% y SC 53%), necrófago (SP 14.8% y SC 26.6%) y filófago (SP 18% y SC 13%). El SP presentó una mayor riqueza funcional (ocho gremios) que el SC (cuatro gremios), en este último no se registraron especies de los gremios depredador, antófilo, rizófago y detritívoro

Revisiting the usefulness of the short acute octreotide test to predict treatment outcomes in acromegaly

Introduction: We previously described that a short version of the acute octreotide test (sAOT) can predict the response to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) in patients with acromegaly. We have prospectively reassessed the sAOT in patients from the ACROFAST study using current ultra-sensitive GH assays. We also studied the correlation of sAOT with tumor expression of E-cadherin and somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) .Methods: A total of 47 patients treated with SRLs for 6 months were evaluated with the sAOT at diagnosis and correlated with SRLs' response. Those patients whose IGF1 decreased to = 3SDS, were considered non-responders. The 2 hours GH value (GH2h) after s.c. administration of 100 mcg of octreotide was used to define predictive cutoffs. E-cadherin and SSTR2 immunostaining in somatotropinoma tissue were investigated in 24/47 and 18/47 patients, respectively.Results: In all, 30 patients were responders and 17 were non-responders. GH(2h) was 0.68 (0.25-1.98) ng/mL in responders vs 2.35 (1.59-9.37) ng/mL in non-responders (p<0.001). GH(2h) = 1.4ng/mL showed the highest ability to identify responders (accuracy of 81%, sensitivity of 73.3%, and specificity of 94.1%). GH(2h) = 4.3ng/mL was the best cutoff for non-response prediction (accuracy of 74%, sensitivity of 35.3%, and specificity of 96.7%). Patients with E-cadherin-positive tumors showed a lower GH(2h) than those with E-cadherin-negative tumors [0.9 (0.3-2.1) vs 3.3 (1.5-12.1) ng/mL; p<0.01], and patients with positive E-cadherin presented a higher score of SSTR2 (7.5 +/- 4.2 vs 3.3 +/- 2.1; p=0.01).Conclusion: The sAOT is a good predictor tool for assessing response to SRLs and correlates with tumor E-cadherin and SSTR2 expression. Thus, it can be useful in clinical practice for therapeutic decision-making in patients with acromegaly