Moisture, a Vital but Neglected Factor in the Seasonal Ecology of Insects: Hypotheses and Tests of Mechanisms

Of the major physical factors that influence insect seasonal ecology, moisture is least understood and least appreciated. It is our premise that experimental probing of insects from diverse zones and various habitats would reveal general patterns of insect responses to moisture that are as striking as those for photoperiod and temperature. Using the paradigms of photoperiod and temperature as ecophysiological determinants of insect seasonality, we hypothesize that moisture influences insect life cycles via one or more of three mechanisms—as a token stimulus for diapause, modulator of developmental or reproductive rates, or behavioral cue for vital seasonal events. For heuristic purposes, we offer each of these hypotheses in close association with approaches for testing their validity in insects that undergo dry-season dormancy. The approaches appear appropriate for examining the role of moisture in the life histories of terrestrial invertebrates other than insects, as well as plants and microbes that have a seasonal resting stage. Elucidating moisture's role in insect seasonal cycles is critical to the development of comprehensive phenological models, improved insect management systems, and identification of novel evolutionary mechanisms for adaptation to wet-dry seasons, especially in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean region

Type specimens of Neuropterida in the Hope Entomological Collection, Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Hope Entomological Collection in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History holds a large and diverse array of historically valuable type specimens for species in the superorder Neuropterida (Megaloptera, Neuroptera, and Raphidioptera). Most are from the mid-1800s (1823–1874). Here, we report each type found during a rigorous search of the collection, and we confirm the identity and status of each type with bibliographic, specimen, and label data. Images, current nomenclatural information, and references for name changes are provided for each species. We identified primary or secondary types for 76 species in seven families of Neuroptera, primary and secondary types for one species of Raphidoptera (Raphidiidae), and secondary types for three species of Megaloptera (Corydalidae). Among the Neuroptera, we found primary types for 26 species of Mantispidae, 16 species of Myrmeleontidae, 11 species of Ascalaphidae, seven species of Nemopteridae, five species of Chrysopidae, and one species each of Coniopterygidae and Hemerobiidae. Types for only two species that were reported to be in the collection were not found. To help stabilize the nomenclature, we made new lectotype designations for the following six species in the Hope Collection: Colobopterus dissimilis McLachlan, 1871; Mantispa batesella Westwood, 1867; Mantispa myrapetrella Westwood, 1867; Mantispa tropica Westwood, 1852; Myrmeleon anomalus Rambur, 1842; and Myrmeleon singulare Westwood, 1847. We also made new lectotype designations for two species in the Natural History Museum in London: Mantispa indica Westwood, 1852, and Mantispa quadrituberculata Westwood, 1852. In several other cases, holotype determinations in the literature were recognized as lectotype designations. Finally, to correct an important error in the literature, we reinstated the synonymization of Ascalaphus anticus Walker, 1853, A. loquax Walker, 1853, and A. trux Walker, 1853 under A. longus Walker, 1853

Attraction of Lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to Methyl Eugenol in Asia

The attraction of Ankylopteryx exquisita (Nakahara) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to the fruit fly male lure methyl eugenol was observed during fly surveys in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Taiwan, and Thailand. All of the 622 adults attracted to the lure were male

Discovery and redescription of the true Nuvol umbrosus Navás and naming of a new Nuvol species (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae, Leucochrysini)

Examination of a newly discovered specimen of Nuvol showed that our earlier species determination of Nuvol umbrosus Navás had been incorrect and that our “redescription” of the species actually applied to an undescribed species. Here, we redescribe the true N. umbrosus, based on a newly discovered male specimen. This specimen closely resembles Navás’ description, and it was collected from the Atlantic Forest as was the original type specimen. In addition, we assign the previously misidentified Nuvol specimens from the Amazonian region to a separate species, Nuvol satur Sosa & Tauber, sp. nov. As a result of these actions, the genus Nuvol now contains two morphologically and geographically distinct species. In addition, the abdomens and genitalia of both sexes of Nuvol are now described (although each from a separate species)

Molecular Imaging of Microglial Activation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

There is growing evidence of activated microglia and inflammatory processes in the cerebral cortex in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Activated microglia is characterized by increased expression of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in the brain and may be a useful biomarker of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated neuroinflammation in ALS patients using a radioligand of TSPO, 18F-DPA-714. Ten patients with probable or definite ALS (all right-handed, without dementia, and untreated by riluzole or other medication that might bias the binding on the TSPO), were enrolled prospectively and eight healthy controls matched for age underwent a PET study. Comparison of the distribution volume ratios between both groups were performed using a Mann-Whitney’s test. Significant increase of distribution of volume ratios values corresponding to microglial activation was found in the ALS sample in primary motor, supplementary motor and temporal cortex (p = 0.009, p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). These results suggested that the cortical uptake of 18F-DPA-714 was increased in ALS patients during the ‘‘time of diagnosis’’ phase of the disease. This finding might improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS and might be a surrogate marker of efficacy of treatment on microglial activation

A checklist of natural enemies of \u3ci\u3eDiaphorina citri\u3c/i\u3e Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia and the world

In recent years, populations of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), have increased in rural citrus orchards and urban backyard gardens. In order to find biological control options for D. citri, a search for natural enemies was conducted in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The collections were carried out in citrus orchards in rural areas and house gardens and street trees in urban areas. Natural enemies were collected from D. citri found on Citrus spp. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae). A total of 16 species of natural enemies of D. citri distributed in six families in fi ve orders are reported from Colombia. Herein we provide an updated list of 95 species of arthropod (arachnids and insects) natural enemies of D. citri distributed in nine orders and 23 families recorded worldwide

A checklist of natural enemies of \u3ci\u3eDiaphorina citri\u3c/i\u3e Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia and the world

In recent years, populations of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), have increased in rural citrus orchards and urban backyard gardens. In order to find biological control options for D. citri, a search for natural enemies was conducted in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The collections were carried out in citrus orchards in rural areas and house gardens and street trees in urban areas. Natural enemies were collected from D. citri found on Citrus spp. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae). A total of 16 species of natural enemies of D. citri distributed in six families in fi ve orders are reported from Colombia. Herein we provide an updated list of 95 species of arthropod (arachnids and insects) natural enemies of D. citri distributed in nine orders and 23 families recorded worldwide

Oxytocin may be useful to increase trust in others and decrease disruptive behaviours in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial in 24 patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental genetic disorder with hypothalamic dysfunction, early morbid obesity with hyperphagia, and specific psychiatric phenotypes including cognitive and behavioural problems, particularly disruptive behaviours and frequent temper outbursts that preclude socialization. A deficit in oxytocin (OT)-producing neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus has been reported in these patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study, 24 adult patients with PWS received a single intranasal administration of 24 IU of OT or placebo and were tested 45 min later on social skills. Behaviours were carefully monitored and scored using an in-house grid as follows: over the two days before drug administration, on the half-day following administration, and over the subsequent two days. All patients were in a dedicated PWS centre with more than ten years of experience. Patients are regularly admitted to this controlled environment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients with PWS who received a single intranasal administration of OT displayed significantly increased trust in others (P = 0.02) and decreased sadness tendencies (P = 0.02) with less disruptive behaviour (P = 0.03) in the two days following administration than did patients who received placebo. In the half-day following administration, we observed a trend towards less conflict with others (p = 0.07) in the OT group compared with the placebo group. Scores in tests assessing social skills were not significantly different between the two groups.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study needs to be reproduced and adapted. It nevertheless opens new perspectives for patients with PWS and perhaps other syndromes with behavioural disturbances and obesity.</p> <p>Trial registration number</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01038570">NCT01038570</a></p

HE4 as a serum biomarker for the diagnosis of pelvic masses: a prospective, multicenter study in 965 patients

Background: To evaluate the diagnostic value of adding human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA) to ultrasound for detecting ovarian cancer in patients with a pelvic mass. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Patients aged > 18 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery for a suspicious pelvic mass had CA125 and HE4 levels measured prior to surgery, in addition to a routine transvaginal ultrasound scan. The diagnostic performance of CA125, HE4 and ROMA for distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC). Results: Of 965 evaluable patients, 804 were diagnosed with benign tumors and 161 were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In late-stage ovarian cancer, CA125, HE4 and ROMA all had an excellent diagnostic performance (AUC > 0.92), whereas in stage I and II, diagnostic performance of all three biomarkers was less adequate (AUC < 0.77). In the differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer and endometriosis, ROMA and HE4 performed better than CA125 with 99 and 98.1% versus 75.0% sensitivity, respectively, at 75.4% specificity. Conclusions: ROMA and HE4 could be valuable biomarkers to help with the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in premenopausal patients in order to differentiate from endometriosis, whereas CA125 may be more adequate for postmenopausal patients

Elevated ratio of acylated to unacylated ghrelin in children and young adults with Prader–Willi syndrome

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by a switch from failure to thrive to excessive weight gain and hyperphagia in early childhood. Hyperghrelinemia may be involved in the underlying mechanisms of the switch. The purpose of this study is to evaluate acylated ghrelin (AG) and unacylated ghrelin (UAG) levels in PWS and investigate their associations with hyperphagia. This is a cross-sectional clinical study conducted in three PWS expert centers in the Netherlands and France. Levels of AG and UAG and the AG/UAG ratio were determined in 138 patients with PWS (0.2–29.4 years) and compared with 50 age-matched obese subjects (4.3–16.9 years) and 39 healthy controls (0.8–28.6 years). AEBSF was used to inhibit deacylation of AG. As a group, PWS patients had higher AG but similar UAG levels as healthy controls (AG 129.1 vs 82.4 pg/ml, p = 0.016; UAG 135.3 vs 157.3 pg/ml, resp.), resulting in a significantly higher AG/UAG ratio (1.00 vs 0.61, p = 0.001, resp.). Obese subjects had significantly lower AG and UAG levels than PWS and controls (40.3 and 35.3 pg/ml, resp.), but also a high AG/UAG ratio (1.16). The reason for the higher AG/UAG ratio in PWS and obese was, however, completely different, as PWS had a high AG and obese a very low UAG. PWS patients without weight gain or hyperphagia had a similar AG/UAG ratio as age-matched controls, in contrast to those with weight gain and/or hyperphagia who had an elevated AG/UAG ratio. The switch to excessive weight gain in PWS seems to coincide with an increase in the AG/UAG ratio, even prior to the start of hyperphagia