Complete sporogony of the blood parasite Haemoproteus nucleocondensus in common biting midges: why is its transmission interrupted in Europe?

AbstractHaemoproteus species (Haemoproteidae) are widespread blood parasites and are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges and Hippoboscidae louse flies. Although these pathogens may cause morbidity or mortality, the vectors and patterns of transmission remain unknown for the great majority of avian haemoproteids. Haemoproteus nucleocondensus has been frequently reported in Europe in great reed warblers Acrocephalus arundinaceus after their arrival from African wintering grounds, but this infection has not been found in juveniles at the breeding sites. The factors that prevent its transmission remain unclear. This study was designed to test whether the sporogony of H. nucleocondensus (lineage hGRW8) can be completed in Culicoides impunctatus, one of the most abundant European biting midge species. Wild-caught females were infected with H. nucleocondensus from great reed warblers. Microscopic examination and PCR-based methods were used to detect sporogonic stages and to confirm species identity. This study showed that H. nucleocondensus completes sporogony in C. impunctatus, suggesting that there are no obstacles to its transmission from the point of view of vector availability and average temperature in Northern Europe. We discuss other ecological factors which should be considered to explain why the transmission of H. nucleocondensus and some other Southern origin haemosporidians are interrupted in North Europe.

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First Report of Culicoides Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Attacking People in Italy, With the Description of Extreme Larval Breeding Sites and Diurnal Activity of Culicoides riethi

Journal of Medical Entomology ◽

10.1093/jme/tjab212 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Federico Romiti ◽

Romolo Fochetti ◽

Adele Magliano ◽

Vittorio Vinciguerra ◽

Arianna Ermenegildi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Italy ◽

Water Bodies ◽

High Concentration ◽

Biting Midges ◽

Breeding Sites ◽

Biting Midge ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Nature Park ◽

Veterinary Entomology ◽

Culicoides Biting Midges

Abstract Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) play a paramount role in medical and veterinary entomology worldwide, particularly as vectors of pathogens which cause animal diseases. Biting midges are also infamous for the nuisance they provoke to people involved in outdoor activities. Nonetheless, attacks to man by midges from any Culicoides species have not been reported in Italy. An entomological investigation was performed following repeated attacks to man in a nature park near Rome (central Italy). The study area is a natural degassing zone, characterized by widespread hazardous gas emissions of CO2 and H2S, with several water bodies including permanent lakes, ponds, and pools. The biting midge C. riethi Kieffer, 1914 was very active during daytime in the period April–June. The species has been identified as responsible for attacks on people in the area. An in-depth analysis of the extreme environmental conditions revealed the ability of larvae to thrive in several water bodies, characterized by an extremely low pH and a high concentration of sulfates.

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Species Identity, Life History, and Geographic Distance Influence Gut Bacterial Communities in Lab-Reared and European Field-Collected Culicoides Biting midges

Microbial Ecology ◽

10.1007/s00248-021-01822-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tim W. R. Möhlmann ◽

Cajo J. F. ter Braak ◽

Dennis E. te Beest ◽

Marc Hendriks ◽

Els H. Nijhuis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Communities ◽

Vector Competence ◽

Bacterial Species ◽

Geographic Distance ◽

Limited Information ◽

Wildlife Diseases ◽

Species Identity ◽

Biting Midges ◽

Biting Midge ◽

Insect Gut

AbstractBacteria are part of the insect gut system and influence many physiological traits of their host. Gut bacteria may even reduce or block the transmission of arboviruses in several species of arthropod vectors. Culicoides biting midges are important arboviral vectors of several livestock and wildlife diseases, yet limited information is available on their gut bacterial communities. Addressing this gap will help inform how these communities can be manipulated and ultimately used as novel tools to control pathogens. To assess how bacterial communities change during the life stages of lab-reared C. nubeculosus and C. sonorensis, endosymbiotic bacteria were identified using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA and taxonomically characterised. Analyses were conducted to determine how gut bacterial communities in adults are influenced by species identity and geographic distance among biting midge populations. Communities of the two lab-reared Culicoides species significantly changed after pupation and with maturation into 6-day-old adults. Pseudomonas, Burkholderiaceae and Leucobacter bacteria were part of a core community that was trans-stadially transmitted and found throughout their life cycle. Among field-collected biting midges, the bacterial communities were unique for almost each species. Cardinium, Rickettsia and Wolbachia were some of the most abundant bacteria in midges collected from wetlands. Only Pseudomonas was present in high relative abundance in all field-collected species. In this study, species identity, as well as geographic distance, influenced the gut bacterial communities and may partly explain known inter- and intra-species variability in vector competence. Additionally, stably associated bacterial species could be candidates for paratransgenic strategies to control vector-borne pathogens.

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RECENT DATA FROM THE FLORA OF THE ISLAND OF LIMNOS (NE AEGEAN, GREECE): NEW ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES AFFECTING THE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY OF THE ISLAND

Edinburgh Journal of Botany ◽

10.1017/s0960428614000110 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 71 (2) ◽

pp. 275-285 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

E. Baliousis

Keyword(s):

Ecological Factors ◽

Amaranthus Retroflexus ◽

Point Of View ◽

Alien Invasive Species ◽

Dispersal Mode ◽

Indigenous Plants ◽

Floristic Study ◽

Fertile Ground ◽

Successful Establishment ◽

High Winds

Recent floristic study of the island of Limnos (NE Aegean, Greece) has resulted in the addition of 69 new plant taxa. As a result the flora of the island now comprises 750 taxa. New alien species such asErigeron sumatrensis,Erigeron canadensis,Symphyotrichum squamatum,Amaranthus retroflexusandAmaranthus blitoidesnowadays colonise thousands of hectares of fertile ground and present the highest rates of invasion. Ecological factors such as soil texture, high winds and human intervention, in combination with their seed dispersal mode and genetic background, may explain their successful establishment and impressive abundance especially in the eastern part of the island. Among the new records of indigenous plants are some interesting taxa from a phytogeographical point of view, such asBupleurum euboeumand the Greek endemicPolygonum icaricum.

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Extralaryngeal Terminal Division of the Inferior Laryngeal Nerve: Anatomical Classification by a Surgical Point of View

Journal of Thyroid Research ◽

10.1155/2013/731250 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Emin Gurleyik

Keyword(s):

Anatomical Variation ◽

Great Majority ◽

Laryngeal Nerve ◽

Point Of View ◽

Entry Point ◽

Inferior Laryngeal Nerve ◽

Anatomical Classification ◽

Type 3

Background. Complete anatomic knowledge including all variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN) is mandatory for thyroid surgeon. Extralaryngeal terminal division (ETD) of the ILN has significant importance for the safety of thyroidectomy.Material and Methods. Surgical dissection of 200 ILNs was performed on 100 cases. The presence of ETD of the nerve was determined intraoperatively. We propose by a surgical point of view a regional (segmental) classification of ETD of the ILN along its cervical course.Results. ETD has been observed in 54/200 nerves (27%). Great majority are bifurcated nerves (trifurcation 2%). Four types of ETD are classified. In type 1 (arterial; 46.3%), ETD has occurred near inferior thyroid artery (ITA). In type 2 (postarterial; 31.5%), division has been found on postarterial segment. In type 3 (prelaryngeal; 11%), division has been located very close to laryngeal entry point. In type 4 (prearterial; 11%), ETD has occurred before the nerve crossing the ITA.Conclusions. ETD of the ILN is a common anatomical variation. The bifurcation occurs in the ILN at various distances from laryngeal entry point. The classification increasing surgeons’ awareness may help to simplify identification and exposure of terminal branches. Preservation of both extralaryngeal terminal branches of the ILN has paramount importance for the safety of thyroid operations.

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Species Identity of Large Trees Affects the Composition and the Spatial Structure of Adjacent Trees

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12091162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 1162

Author(s):

Olga Cholewińska ◽

Andrzej Keczyński ◽

Barbara Kusińska ◽

Bogdan Jaroszewicz

Keyword(s):

Spatial Structure ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Nearest Neighbor ◽

Linear Models ◽

Point Of View ◽

Species Identity ◽

Large Tree ◽

Large Trees ◽

Old Trees ◽

Temperate Forest Ecosystem

Large trees are keystone structures for the functioning and maintenance of the biological diversity of wooded landscapes. Thus, we need a better understanding of large-tree–other-tree interactions and their effects on the diversity and spatial structure of the surrounding trees. We studied these interactions in the core of the Białowieża Primeval Forest—Europe’s best-preserved temperate forest ecosystem, characterized by high abundance of ancient trees. We measured diameter and bark thickness of the monumental trees of Acer platanoides L., Carpinus betulus L., Picea abies (L.) H. Karst, Quercus robur L., and Tilia cordata Mill., as well as the diameter and distance to the monumental tree of five nearest neighbor trees. The effects of the monumental tree on arrangements of the surrounding trees were studied with the help of linear models. We revealed that the species identity of a large tree had, in the case of C. betulus and T. cordata, a significant impact on the diversity of adjacent tree groupings, their distance to the central tree, and frequency of the neighboring trees. The distance between the neighbor and the large trees increased with the increasing diameter of the central tree. Our findings reinforce the call for the protection of large old trees, regardless of their species and where they grow from the geographical or ecosystem point of view.

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Perception and attitudes towards epilepsy: point of view of professionals allied to medicine from Mobile Emergency Service in Campinas

Journal of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology ◽

10.1590/s1676-26492009000300005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 119-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paula T. Fernandes ◽

Ana Lúcia A. Noronha ◽

José Roberto Hansen ◽

Li M. Li

Keyword(s):

Physical Exercise ◽

Epileptic Seizure ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Emergency Service ◽

Medical Service ◽

Great Majority ◽

Point Of View ◽

Education Programs ◽

Allied Health Professionals ◽

Social Difficulties

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is very prevalent in our society, but unfortunately lack of knowledge is still very common, contributing to psycho-social difficulties to people with epilepsy. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the epilepsy' perception and attitudes by professionals of emergency medical service in Campinas, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out with professionals of SAMU-192, who participated on the VII Stroke Workshop of Campinas in November 2007. RESULTS: One hundred-forty nine (149) professionals answered the questionnaire (49% women, average age of 37 years, range from 21 to 59 year). Ninety (60%) were professionals allied to medicine (nurses, health auxiliary, dentists), six (4%) were physicians and 53 (36%) were other professions (secretary, driver). In overall, a great majority of the subjects had an appropriate knowledge regarding epilepsy. But, some beliefs are still present. In relation to epilepsy' perception, some wrong ideas appeared, as epilepsy is a contagious disease, people with epilepsy can not practice physical exercise or to work. Also, the doubts regarding pregnancy and treatment of epilepsy were observed. Regarding attitudes during an epileptic seizure, some inadequate attitudes appeared: to put something in patient's mouth, to restrict the patients' movements or give something strong to smell (alcohol or vinegar) in order to stop the seizure. CONCLUSION: In this context, it is necessary a continuous education programs to the allied health professionals to improve the perception and attitudes, bringing epilepsy out of the shadows.

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Cuticular and Internal Chemical Composition of Biting Midges Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Potential Vectors of Viral Diseases

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1400900811 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1934578X1400900

Author(s):

Mikel González ◽

Sergio López ◽

Gloria Rosell ◽

Arturo Goldarazena ◽

Angel Guerrero

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Viral Diseases ◽

Chemical Profile ◽

Biting Midges ◽

Biting Midge ◽

Branched Hydrocarbons ◽

Hexane Extracts ◽

Major Chemical ◽

First Time

The chemical profile of the cuticle and internal tissues of four species of Culicoides have been studied for the first time by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The chemical composition of females of C. obsoletus s.l. and C. lupicaris, vectors of diverse viral diseases, have been compared with that of other biting midges, such as C. kibunensis and C. fascipennis, and the non-biting midge Forcipomyia bipunctata. A total of 61 compounds belonging to 8 major chemical classes were identified in cuticular and internal tissues in n-hexane extracts. The compounds include carboxylic acids (CAs) (C6-C20), with C16:0, C16:1 and C18:1 being dominant, branched hydrocarbons (C29 to C38 mono/di/trimethylalkanes), linear hydrocarbons (C15 to C33, mainly odd chain carbons), terpenes (geranylacetone, geranylgeraniol acetate, squalene, terpenic alcohol), steroids (cholesterol), aldehydes (C9-C10 and even chain C20 to C30), and esters. The chemical profile depends on the species and whether the extracts are external (cuticle) or internal. The contents of linear and branched hydrocarbons and aldehydes was high in cuticular extracts but practically absent in internal tissues, which were, in contrast, rich in CAs, terpenes and steroids. The results are discussed and compared with other Culicoides midges and mosquito-related species.

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Thermal Analysis and Experimental Validation of Environmental Condition Inside Greenhouse in Tropical Wet and Dry Climate

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12198171 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (19) ◽

pp. 8171

Author(s):

Gauravkumar Gadhesaria ◽

Chinmay Desai ◽

Ravi Bhatt ◽

Bashir Salah

Keyword(s):

Thermal Model ◽

Experimental Validation ◽

Saccharum Officinarum ◽

Point Of View ◽

Storage Unit ◽

Average Temperature ◽

Air Change Rate ◽

Suitable Climate ◽

Controlled Environment Agriculture ◽

The Given

A facility for controlled environment agriculture from an energy consumption point of view was investigated at the C. G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University (21.1667° N, 72.8333° E), Bardoli, Surat, Gujarat, India. It is a tropical wet and dry region of the state of Gujarat. The study was carried out for an even span type 2.45 m × 3.65 m greenhouse with an elevation of 34 m above the sea level under the environmental conditions. A thermal model is proposed to identify the suitable climate condition for the cultivation of different varieties of Banana (Musa) and Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Banana and Sugarcanes are the main crops in the Surat district, wherein around 12,400 hector and 94,500 hector cultivation are done, respectively. The experimental study was carried out during the period of December 2017 (winter) to February 2018 (winter and summer). The proposed thermal model is helpful to indicate the hourly energy balance and average temperature distribution inside the greenhouse. The greenhouse was studied for east–west orientation. The steady state analysis was utilized to find extra thermal energy other than solar radiation needed to keep the plant temperature desirable. Experimental validation of the model was carried out in even span greenhouse. At last, some important conclusions are drawn and suggestions made for further studies based on the main characteristics and results of the study. A higher air change rate seems desirable to bring down the temperature further. It was observed that the extra heating is required during the period of December to February, whereas from March onwards a storage unit is required to absorb the energy available and utilize it whenever necessary in the given climatic condition and crop.

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Art and Morality

Philosophy ◽

10.1093/obo/9780195396577-0108 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Sauchelli

Keyword(s):

Moral Education ◽

Great Majority ◽

Well Being ◽

Point Of View ◽

Proper Function ◽

Human Beings ◽

Ethical Criticism ◽

Positive Role ◽

Works Of Art

A great number of works of art, it is commonly claimed, are aesthetically valuable. Some philosophers have even argued that providing an aesthetically pleasing experience is their only proper function. However, some of these artworks display or invite us to adopt an immoral point of view. Even worse, they even seem to make immoral situations delightful and appealing. The following questions thus arise: Does the alleged immorality of these works count as an aesthetic or artistic defect? Can an immoral movie or novel ever be a great example of its kind? In addition to these concerns related to art evaluation, the connection between various forms of art and morality has been investigated by discussing the capacity of works of art to move us emotionally. More specifically, thinkers from different traditions and ages have remarked that works of art are clearly able, first, to stir our emotions in a particularly effective way, and, second, to invite us to act following certain ideas that have been made appealing by their beauty or other aesthetic qualities. Plato was the first in the Western tradition to evaluate in a systematic way whether, as a consequence of the previous considerations, we should supervise the storytellers who are supposed to educate our youth. Other philosophers, from Aristotle to more recent advocates of the value of the humanities, have argued in favor of the positive role that truly great works of art may have in our moral education. Contemporary philosophers are also interested in the role of imagination in fictional immoral contexts (can we engage with immoral works of art and be justified in so doing?). They are also interested in the role played by art in contributing to our well-being and flourishing as human beings. The great majority of recent works on the topic, however, are focused on an assessment of the arguments in favor or against ethical criticism, with a particular emphasis on the criticism of representational works of art. Other issues at the intersection of art and morality are the concept of the obscene, the value of pornography, and censorship.

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Influence of strategic points in the dispersion of Aedes aegypti in infested areas

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.11606/s1518-8787.2019053000702 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gerson Laurindo Barbosa ◽

Mariana De Oliveira Lage ◽

Valmir Roberto Andrade ◽

Antônio Henrique Alves Gomes ◽

Jose Alberto Quintanilha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aedes Aegypti ◽

Spatial Statistics ◽

Random Distribution ◽

Control Program ◽

Control Area ◽

Point Of View ◽

Economic Point ◽

Breeding Sites ◽

Vector Control Program

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether sites with large amount of potential breeding sites for immature forms of Aedes aegypti, called strategic points, influence in the active vector’s dispersion into properties in their surroundings. METHODS: We selected four areas in the municipality of Campinas, three of them with strategic points classified as high, moderate, and low risk according to infestation and a control area, without strategic points. Between October 2015 and September 2016, we monthly installed oviposition traps and evaluated the infestation by Ae. aegypti in all properties of each selected area. To verify if there was vector dispersion from each strategic point, based on its location, we investigated the formation of clusters with excess of eggs or larvae or pupae containers, using the Gi spatial statistics. RESULTS: The amount of eggs collected in the ovitraps and the number of positive containers for Ae. aegypti did not show clusters of high values concerning its distance from the strategic point. Both presented random distribution not spatially associated with the positioning of strategic points in the area. CONCLUSIONS: Strategic points are not confirmed as responsible for the vector’s dispersion for properties in their surroundings. We highlight the importance of reviewing the current strategy of the vector control program in Brazil, seeking a balance from the technical, operational, and economic point of view, without disregarding the role of strategic points as major producers of mosquitoes and their importance in the dissemination of arboviruses in periods of transmission.

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