Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Fungal Symbiont Ambrosiella roeperi Associated with Arecanut Kernel Decay in Karnataka, India

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported causing damage to areca palm plantations (Areca catechu L.—Arecaceae) in Karnataka (India). In particular, X. crassiusculus has been observed attacking and successfully reproducing on areca nuts; besides the new host plant record, the data provided here represent the first documented case of spermatophagy for this xyleborine beetle. All infestation symptoms of this polyphagous pest were documented and illustrated. The identity of the scolytid, besides morphologically, was confirmed by its DNA barcoding. Eggs, larvae and pupae were found within the galleries of infested kernels. All galleries of the infested kernels were characterized by the presence of whitish to greyish fungal growth. The fungus was identified as Ambrosiella roeperi, a known symbiont of Xylosandrus crassiusculus. Incidence of this symbiotic insect-fungus complex in the economic part of arecanut, i.e., the kernel, is of serious concern. In a climate change scenario, this beetle with fungal symbionts may pose a serious threat to arecanut production in India and elsewhere.

Sustainable Ecosystem Management

Ecosystems are part of human wellbeing and their sustainable management is essential for the survival of the human race and biodiversity. This chapter explores the concept of sustainable ecosystem management (SEM), its principles, elements, faces, and implementation. SEM is defined as environmentally sensitive, ecosystem-based, and eco-regional based. Its successful implementation is therefore complex due to the different priorities of stakeholders, the scope of ecosystems, some of which are transboundary, and the ever-changing nature of these areas amidst environmental uncertainties. These aspects are vulnerable to political changes and reconciling them is difficult. This chapter proposes a five-step implementation plan on SEM that is pegged on adaptive management and holistic consideration of ecological resources. Using documented case studies, SEM is a proposed solution to ecosystem challenges of modern-day amidst hindrances of rising resource demand, population increase, and climate variability.

Laryngeal varices: an atypical cause of globus

Laryngeal varices are rare and are usually associated with vocal cord trauma secondary to excessive use of voice. This report is the first documented case of laryngeal varices secondary to thyroid goitre. This is a report of an 83-year-old woman with a known retrosternal goitre chiefly with symptoms of globus. Retrosternal goitre was found to be compressing the pharyngeal venous plexus causing laryngeal venous structures bilaterally to be engorged along the aryepiglottic folds, arytenoids, posterior commissure and extending in to the postcricoid region. The presence of laryngeal varices carries a significant increased risk of haemorrhage. This case presents an atypical presentation of globus and the first reported case in the literature of laryngeal varices secondary to a thyroid goitre.

A case of bipartite patella and vastus notch from Kneževići hillfort - Malo Libinje, Croatia

Here we present six adult patellae with superolateral concave defects observed amongst the remains of at least 28 individuals retrieved from four Late Iron Age burials from Kneževići hillfort - Malo Libinje, Croatia. The right patella of an adult individual displays a rough-edged concave defect on superolateral side of the bone called bipartite patella. Other five patellae show concave defects with smooth edges also located on superolateral side; a defect known as vastus notch. Though physically similar, the two conditions are etiologically distinct. A large amount of observed cases of vastus notch in this assemblage may indicate that these individuals frequently performed activities involving kneeling and/or squatting. This is the first documented case of joint occurrence of bipartite patella and vastus notch in a Croatian skeletal assemblage, but also the largest amount of patellae with vastus notch in an archaeological population from Croatia recorded so far.

Primary Cutaneous Atypical Spindle Cell Lipomatous Tumor

This report documents an exophytic, pedunculated nodule in a 74-year-old man that upon histopathological examination revealed an atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor (ASPLT) confined to the papillary and reticular dermis, representing the fourth documented case within the skin. Despite the overt pleomorphic changes present histologically, the patient is free of metastasis or recurrence five years after surgery.

A Rare Case of Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis (AKA. Grover’s Disease) with Concomitant Pediculosis Pubis: An Atypical Presentation and First Documented Case Report

A 66-year-old male presented with a one-month history of persistent pruritic eruptions distributed mainly on the trunk. A punch biopsy from the left upper abdomen revealed focal acantholytic dyskeratosis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis composed of numerous eosinophils. Grover’s disease was diagnosed based on the clinical and histopathological findings. Appropriate treatment was initiated but failed to relieve symptoms of itchiness. A further investigation of the hair follicles under mineral oil preparation revealed an infestation of pediculosis pubis. Subsequent treatment with Ivermectin and permethrin cream led to the complete resolution of his symptoms. This case report highlights an unusual and first documented case of Grover’s disease with a concomitant infestation of pediculosis pubis. To date, no reported cases in the literature have associated Grover’s disease with pubic lice infestation. However, there are three reported cases of concurrent scabies and Grover’s disease in the literature. This rare case underscores the clinical value in further investigating treatable underlying conditions in patients with suspected transient acantholytic dermatosis.

Adult onset Still’s disease in a patient with scleroderma: case report

Background Scleroderma and adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) are both uncommon autoimmune disorders. These two disorders have rarely been documented to occur simultaneously. In fact, after a thorough literature review, we discovered only one prior case report in a pregnant individual. Here, we describe the first documented case of scleroderma and AOSD in a postmenopausal patient. Case presentation The patient is a 61-year-old Caucasian female with a past medical history significant for peptic ulcer disease, mitral valve prolapse, chronic idiopathic pancreatitis, and limited cutaneous scleroderma with sclerodactyly, Raynaud’s, and calcinosis. She was sent to the emergency room by her primary care physician due to one-week history of intermittent spiking fevers (Tmax 101°F), sore throat, myalgias, arthralgias, and non-pruritic bilateral lower extremity rash. Diagnostic evaluation in the hospital included complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, respiratory viral panel, antinuclear antibody panel, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging with computerized tomography. Our patient fulfilled Yamaguchi Criteria for AOSD and all other possible etiologies were ruled out. She was treated with a steroid taper and methotrexate was initiated on post-discharge day number fourteen. Clinical and biochemical resolution was obtained at three months. Conclusions In this report, we describe the first ever documented case of scleroderma and AOSD in a postmenopausal patient. The clinical presentation, diagnostic work up, and management discussed herein may serve as a framework for which rheumatologists and other physicians may draw upon in similar future encounters.

Diarchy and history in Hawaiʻi and Tonga

This paper treats a well documented case of tension between diarchic and monarchic tendencies — that of ancient Hawaiʻi. The instability of diarchy in Hawaiʻi is contrasted with its stability, until the late eighteenth century, in another Polynesian society, Tonga. These different solutions correlate with the different place that a properly historical representation of kingship — that is one that recognizes discontinuities in time, that does not abolish time by making the present identical to the past — have in the two societies.

MANAGING WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION: AN ASSESSMENT OF KENYAN WORKPLACE

Purpose: This paper sought to examine whether workplace training in mitigating discrimination, harassment and retaliation has been effective. Methodology: This study adopted exploratory research methodology. Exploratory research design is used to investigate a problem which is not clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing problem, but will not provide conclusive results. It explored studies conducted on the topic. This means that the study relied on desk-top review of the existing studies and documented case laws. Further, it relied on the cases laws. A narrative analysis was done and at this point the information was interpreted by comparing the findings with the findings of other empirical studies. This information was interpreted together with the ‘Stories within stories’ and related to the existing literature Findings: The results found that while workplace training increases sensitivity, it is associated with less accuracy in detecting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. This is based on the fact that there are many cases on the matter before the courts. Further, the study shows that there is no relationship between training and the ability of the manager to propose the required response after the act. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that there is need for organizations to develop action plans that will measure the effectiveness of trainings. There is need to regularly review policies to ensure that they are modern realities such as online harassment. Finally the study recommends amendment of the current employment Act to exclusively require that employers must conduct training on the issues.