bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wrist Motion Variation between Novices and Experienced Surgeons Performing Simulated Airway Surgery
Authors: Callahan Edward , Bly Randall , Johnson Kaalan , Aghdasi Nava , Hannaford Blake , Moe Kris , Sardesai Maya G.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To determine whether wrist motion measured by a smartphone application can be used as a performance metric for a simulated airway procedure requiring both wrist and finger dexterity. We hypothesized that this accelerometer application could detect differences between novices and experienced surgeons performing simulated cricothyrotomy.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Study Design

Prospective pilot cohort study.

Methods

Voluntary surgeons and nonsurgeons were recruited. After viewing a training video, smartphones with accelerometer applications were attached to both wrists while subjects performed a cricothyrotomy on a validated task trainer. Procedure time and motion parameters, including average resultant acceleration (ARA), total resultant acceleration (TRA), and suprathreshold acceleration events (STAEs), were collected for dominant and nondominant hands. Subjects were stratified by prior experience. Blinded experts scored each performance using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS), and t tests were used to compare performance.

Results

Thirty subjects were enrolled. Median age was 26 years, and 20 subjects were male. In the dominant hand, significant differences were seen between novice and experienced surgeons in TRA (P =. 005) and procedure time (P =. 006), while no significant differences were seen in STAEs (P =. 42) and ARA (P =. 33). In the nondominant hand, all variables were significantly different between the 2 groups: STAEs (P =. 012), ARA (P =. 007), TRA (P =. 004), and procedure time (P =. 006).

Conclusions

Wrist motion measured by a low‐cost smartphone application can distinguish between novice and experienced surgeons performing simulated airway surgery. This tool provides cost‐effective and objective performance feedback.
GnRH Neurons on LSD: A Year of Rejecting Hypotheses That May Have Made Karl Popper Proud
Authors: Moenter Suzanne M
Published: November 2017

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are critical to many aspects of fertility regulation, from producing episodic release critical to both sexes, to providing a central signal to induce the ovulatory cascade in females. This year saw progress through the rejection, and occasional support, of hypotheses in understanding how GnRH neurons contribute to these processes. This brief review provides one laboratory’s view of new insights into possible roles for these cells in development, adult reproductive function, and what may go wrong with GnRH neurons in some cases of infertility.
Assessment of Tricuspid Annular Motion by Speckle Tracking in Anesthetized Patients Using Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Shen Tao , Picard Michael H. , Hua Lanqi , Burns Sara M. , Andrawes Michael N.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:

The perioperative assessment of right ventricular (RV) function remains a challenge. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) using M-mode is a widely used measure of RV function. However, accurate alignment of the ultrasound beam with the direction of annular movement can be difficult with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to measure TAPSE, precluding effective use of M-mode to measure annular excursion. Tracking of specular reflectors in the myocardium may provide an angle-independent method to assess annular motion with TEE. We hypothesized that TEE speckle tracking of the lateral tricuspid annular motion represents a comparable measurement to the well-validated M-mode TAPSE on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and may be considered as a reasonable alternative to TAPSE.

METHODS:

This is a prospective, observational cohort study. We included all patients, who were in sinus rhythm, with a preoperative TTE within 3 months of scheduled cardiac surgery that required intraoperative TEE. Tissue motion annular displacements (TMAD) of the lateral (L), septal (S), and midpoint (M) tricuspid annulus were measured (QLAB Cardiac Motion Quantification; Philips Medical, Andover, MA) after induction of general anesthesia. This was compared to the preoperative M-mode TAPSE on TTE.

RESULTS:

Seventy-two consecutive patients who met eligibility requirements were enrolled from September to November 2016. Twelve were excluded due to poor image quality, allowing TMAD to be analyzed in 60 patients. TMAD was analyzed offline and TMAD analysis was able to track tricuspid annular motion in all patients. The mean TMAD (L), TMAD (S), and TMAD (M) were 17.4 ± 5.2, 10.2 ± 4.8, and 14.2 ± 4.8 mm, respectively. TMAD (L) showed close correlation with M-mode TAPSE on TTE (r = 0.87, 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.92; P < .01). All patients with a preoperative TAPSE <17 mm had a TMAD (L) <17 mm, while 71% of those with a TAPSE ≥ 17 mm had a TMAD (L) ≥ 17 mm. There was strong positive correlation between TMAD (L) and intraoperative RV fractional area change (r = 0.86, 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.91; P < .01). Reproducibility analysis of TMAD within and across observers showed excellent correlation.

CONCLUSIONS:

TMAD is a quick and angle-independent method to quantitatively assess RV longitudinal function by TEE. It correlates strongly with M-mode TAPSE on TTE. Because TMAD and TAPSE were not simultaneously measured in this study, their correlation is subject to differences in loading conditions, general anesthesia, and changes in the disease process. TMAD may be easily applied in routine clinical settings and its role in the perioperative environment deserves to be further explored.
A microRNA feedback loop regulates global microRNA abundance during aging
Authors: Inukai Sachi , Pincus Zachary , de Lencastre Alexandre , Slack Frank J.
Published: November 2017

Expression levels of many microRNAs (miRNAs) change during aging, notably declining globally in a number of organisms and tissues across taxa. However, little is known about the mechanisms or the biological relevance for this change. We investigated the network of genes that controls miRNA transcription and processing duringC. elegansaging. We found that miRNA biogenesis genes are highly networked with transcription factors and aging-associated miRNAs. In particular, miR-71, known to influence life span and itself up-regulated during aging, repressesalg-1/Argonaute expression post-transcriptionally during aging. Increased ALG-1 abundance inmir-71loss-of-function mutants led to globally increased miRNA expression. Interestingly, these mutants demonstrated widespread mRNA expression dysregulation and diminished levels of variability both in gene expression and in overall life span. Thus, the progressive molecular decline often thought to be the result of accumulated damage over an organism's life may be partially explained by a miRNA-directed mechanism of age-associated decline.
Native elongating transcript sequencing reveals global anti-correlation between sense and antisense nascent transcription in fission yeast
Authors: Wery Maxime , Gautier Camille , Descrimes Marc , Yoda Mayuko , Vennin-Rendos Hervé , Migeot Valérie , Gautheret Daniel , Hermand Damien , Morillon Antonin
Published: November 2017

Antisense transcription can regulate sense gene expression. However, previous annotations of antisense transcription units have been based on detection of mature antisense long noncoding (aslnc)RNAs by RNA-seq and/or microarrays, only giving a partial view of the antisense transcription landscape and incomplete molecular bases for antisense-mediated regulation. Here, we used native elongating transcript sequencing to map genome-wide nascent antisense transcription in fission yeast. Strikingly, antisense transcription was detected for most protein-coding genes, correlating with low sense transcription, especially when overlapping the mRNA start site. RNA profiling revealed that the resulting aslncRNAs mainly correspond to cryptic Xrn1/Exo2-sensitive transcripts (XUTs). ChIP-seq analyses showed that antisense (as)XUT's expression is associated with specific histone modification patterns. Finally, we showed that asXUTs are controlled by the histone chaperone Spt6 and respond to meiosis induction, in both cases anti-correlating with levels of the paired-sense mRNAs, supporting physiological significance to antisense-mediated gene attenuation. Our work highlights that antisense transcription is much more extended than anticipated and might constitute an additional nonpromoter determinant of gene regulation complexity.
Evaluation of non-linear models to describe development and fertility of codling moth at constant temperatures
Authors: Ranjbar Aghdam H. , Fathipour Y. , Kontodimas D. C.
Published: November 2017

Developmental rate of immature stages and age-specific fertility of females of codling moth at constant temperatures was modeled using non-linear models. The equations of Enkegaard, Analytis, and Bieri 1 and 2 were evaluated based on the value of adjusted R2 (R2adj) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) besides coefficient of determination (R2) and residual sum of squares (RSS). All models have goodness of fit to data especially for development [R2, R2adj, RSS and AIC ranged 0.9673-0.9917, 0.8601-0.9861, 0.08-6.7x10-4 and (-75.29) – (-46.26) respectively]. Optimum temperature (Topt) and upper threshold (Tmax) were calculated accurately (Topt and Tmax ranged 29.9-31.2oC and 35.9-36.7oC) by all models. Lower temperature threshold (Tmin) was calculated accurately by Bieri-1 model (9,9-10,8oC) whereas Analytis model (7,0-8,4oC) underestimated it. As far as fertility is concerned the respective values were better fitted near the optimum temperature (in 30oC) [R2 ,R2adj, RSS and AIC ranged 0,6966-0,7744, 0,5756-0,6455, 2,44-3,33 x10-4 and (-9,15)-7,15 respectively].
A geographical study on Pseudaulacaspis pentagona and its parasitoids in Hungarian highway margins using pheromone traps and molecular markers
Authors: Bayoumy M. H. , Fetyko K. , Tobias I. , Konczné Benedicty Z. , Szita É. , Kozár F.
Published: November 2017

A study has been conducted to monitor geographical spread of the white peach scale Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) (WPS) and its parasitoid populations in 32 stops of the Hungarian highways (M0. M1, M3, M5 and M7) using pheromone traps during 2009 and 2010. In addition to the data collected in the current study, previous data were used to investigate the population trend of this pest from 2007 to 2010. The number of males recorded in traps placed on highways was much lower than in the sites close to urban areas (M0). Our data support results of previous studies which suggest the spreading of white peach scale by vehicles (“transport vector”). The significant decrease in the WPS male catches from 2007 to 2010 might indicate the lowering of the population levels of this pest in the area of the study. Eight hymenopterous parasitoid species were captured in pheromone traps. Coccophagus sp. was the predominate species in pheromone traps of WPS in M7, how-ever they may be associated with another coccid species. The identity of scale males and some parasitoids was proved by molecular markers.
First record of the genus Berosus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) in Crete island, Greece
Authors: Karaouzas I. , İncekara Ü.
Published: November 2017

The first record of the genus Berosus Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) for Crete (Greece) is given. Adults of the collected specimens were identified as Berosus affinis Brullé, 1835. Photographs of the adults and larvae of the species and its habitat are presented, while some notes on its ecology and feeding behavior are provided.
First record of the Nearctic Zelus renardii (Heteroptera, Reduviidae, Harpactocorinae) in Europe
Authors: Petrakis P. V. , Moulet P.
Published: November 2017

The Nearctic assasin bug species Zelus reinardii was found for the first time in Attica, Greece, Europe. This species is a generalist predator which can contribute to the control of insect pests. This is also a known predator of several biological control agents of pests. Therefore, its naturalization in Greece is potentially problematic in economic settings since the insect may act as both an intraguild and a beneficial predator. The risky nature of importation in other areas (e.g. Hawaii) showed the possibility of these ecological roles.
The tabanid fauna (Diptera: Tabanidae) of the Chirpan Eminences (Bulgaria)
Authors: Ganeva Diana , Kalmushka Milena
Published: November 2017

The study of the Chirpan Eminences tabanid fauna was completed by means of a route collection in 2008 and regular monthly collections from two localities during the active tabanid sea-sons in years 2010-2011. The research resulted in the capturing of 1202 tabanid specimens, 1124 of them were females and 78 males. Within this collected sample 24 species and subspecies from 8 genera were determined: Chrysops (2 species), Atylotus (1 species), Therioplectes (1 species and 1 subspecies), Hybomitra (3 species), Tabanus (12 species and 1 subspecies), Haematopota (1 species), Dasyrhamphis (1 species) and Philipomyia (1 species). On the basis of literary data and of the species identified in this research, it may be asserted that the tabanid fauna in the Chirpan Eminences is represented by 28 species. Thirteen of them were identified for the first time for this region. From a zoogeographical point of view, predominant for the tabanid fauna of the Chirpan Eminences are the elements of the Mediterranean subregional fauna (64.29 % of the species).
The families Malachiidae and Dasytidae in the collections of the Goulandris Natural History Museum, Athens, Greece
Authors: Mirutenko Vladyslav V.
Published: November 2017

Entomological collections of the Goulandris Natural History Museum in Athens were reviewed. Eleven species of the family Malachiidae and six species of the family Dasytidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) were identified in the collections of the museum. A species list is provided, where the locations and dates of findings, as well as the distribution of each species and short comments are given.
First record of the bougainvillea mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus in Greece
Authors: Gkounti Vasiliki , Milonas Panagiotis
Published: November 2017

This is the first record of the Boungainvillea mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus in Greece. The mealybug originates from South America and in the last decade has invaded Europe and particularly the Mediterranean basin. It has become a major pest for various ornamental plant species. In Spain, it is found to be parasitized by the parasitoid Acerophagus n. sp. near coccois.
First record of Phoenicococcus marlatti in Greece
Authors: Lytra I. Ch. , Vasarmidaki M. E. , Papadoulis G. Th.
Published: November 2017

In October 2013, the red date scale Phoenicococcus marlatti Cockerell (Hemiptera: Phoenicococcidae) has been recorded for the first time in Greece. Adult females were collected from the base of fronds of date palm from the Crete Island. Information on the species morphology, biology and distribution is presented.
Wound myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata in an open femoral fracture treated with external fixation
Authors: Flegkas P. V. , Andreadis S. S. , Andreadou E. S. , Delis J. , Moumtsidelis T. , Savopoulou-Soultani M.
Published: November 2017

On examination of the wound of a patient who was treated previously with external fixation for a diaphysial fracture of the femur, we observed the presence of multiple living larvae (maggots) of dipterous flies. Treatment included removal of the maggots and use of antibiotic. The importance of hygiene and sanitation is discussed.
Preliminary study in the use of electric current for the control of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Authors: Niamouris Kostas , Psirofonia Panagiota
Published: November 2017

The use of electric current is being studied as a method to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The infested palm trees were pruned according to the severity of the infestation (heavy infestation requires more intense pruning). Then, electrolytes were injected into the palm trees to elevate conductivity. Electric current of specific voltage and amperage was coursed through the palm trees, using specifically designed electrodes; Electric current was applied for 20 min to 1 hour depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the palm tree. A small number of palm trees were shocked, some of which were monitored for side effects due to the shock while others were cut down to monitor pest mortality rates. Larvae were collected and placed in entomological cages. A large percentage of larvae were killed after the shock, while the others showed difficulties in their movement. Six days later 84.78 % of larvae and 96.48 % of pupae were killed but practically all of the adults survived. Electric current has never been used in this way to control insects before.
First record of the mycophagous ladybird Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata on greenhouse cucumber plants in Crete (Greece)
Authors: Karataraki K. , Goumenaki E. , Raftakis E. , Goutos D. , Kapetanakis E.
Published: November 2017

In July 2014, in an organic greenhouse cucumber crop at the Farm of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete, at Heraklion, larvae and adults of Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were observed feeding on hyphae of Podosphaera xanthii (Braun & Shishkoff) (Erysiphales: Erysiphacae), that had covered the cucumber leaves. The most common genus worldwide of mycophagous tribe Halyziini (Mulsant) is Psyllobora, which is known for its potential in the biological control of powdery mildew.
First record of the invasive species Parasaissetia nigra in Greece
Authors: Tsagkarakis A. E. , Ben-Dov Y. , Papadoulis G. Th.
Published: November 2017

In June 2014, the nigra scale Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) was recorded for the first time in Greece on pomegranate, Punica granatum. Its occurrence was observed in an ornamental pomegranate tree in the campus of the Agricultural University of Athens. Information on its morphology, biology and distribution is presented.
Disparity in chromosomal variation within the Apiomorpha minor species-group
Authors: Mills P.J. , Cook L.G.
Published: November 2017

The scale insect genus Apiomorpha is one of the most chromosomally diverse of all animal genera, with diploid complements ranging from 4 to 192. There is even considerable variation within many of the 41 described species. For example, variation within the A. minor speciesgroup (A. minor, A. sessilis and A. annulata) shows an extraordinary range with counts from 2n = 4 through to 2n = 84. However, much of this variation is within a single currently recognized species – A. minor. In contrast, another species in the A. minor species group, A. sessilis, has been reported to have only counts of 2n = 4. To determine whether the reported lack of variation within A. sessilis was due to limited sampling, we collected specimens from across its known range of more than 1,100 km in eastern Australia. We did not find any additional chromosome counts for A. sessilis, confirming the constancy of karyotype in this species. This suggests the question "why does A. sessilis have such a conserved karyotype throughout its range while A. minor is so diverse?”
A checklist of scale insects of Slovenia
Authors: Seljak Gabrijel
Published: November 2017

The last list of scale insects of Slovenia was compiled by Franc Janežič (1954) and included 44 species. On the basis of data gathered from the literature and from our own faunistic researches, a new list of scale insects recorded from or found in the territory of Slovenia is presented. Altogether 101 species from 9 families are listed here: Ortheziidae (1 species), Margarodidae (1 species), Pseudococcidae (18 species), Eriococcidae (8 species), Asterolecaniidae (2 species), Coccidae (26 species), Kermesidae (1 species), Cerococcidae (1 species) and Diaspididae (43 species). Eighteen are new to the fauna of Slovenia.
Ferenc Kozár – A dedicated and prolific worker on scale insects
Authors: Williams D.J. , Kaydan M.B.
Published: November 2017

At the XII Meeting of the International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies, delegates and coccidologists worldwide congratulate Dr Ferenc Kozár for his work on scale insects during over 40 years of concentrated study. Ferenc is well known for his contributions to economic and taxonomic work on scale insects. He entered the Agricultural University in Budapest, Hungary, in 1962, and then the University of Leningrad (now St Petersburg) and returned to Hungary where he has been employed as Research Scientist and then Head of the Department of Zoology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest until 1990. He then became Research Consultant, a position he has held since. His list of publications includes nine books and about 220 papers in scientific journals. He has described 13 new family-group names, 32 new genera, and about 175 new species. Much of this work has been done since 1990. We expect a steady flow of publications in the future.
Pityogenes chalcographus (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) at the southernmost borderline of Norway spruce (Picea abies) in Greece
Authors: Avtzis D.N. , Arthofer W. , Stauffer C. , Avtzis N. , Wegensteiner R.
Published: November 2017

The six toothed bark beetle, Pityogenes chalcographus L. (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) is a widely distributed pest in Europe, infesting mainly Norway spruce (Picea abies) as well as other conifer species such as Pinus sp., Abies alba, Larix deciduas, L. sibirica and Pseudotsuga douglasii. Even though the distribution of this bark beetle coincides that of its main host tree, P. abies, the occurrence of P. chalcographus has never been recorded in the spruce forest of Elatia-Drama, Northern Greece, which is the southernmost area of the natural, autochthonous distribution of P. abies. In this study we installed five pheromone traps baited with chalcogran dispensers in the forest of Elatia. The total number of bark beetles attracted to these traps exceeded several thousands of individuals. Norway spruce trees growing in the natural forest of Elatia demonstrate low vigor, something that can be attributed to the marginal environmental conditions in concert with the effects of climate change. The combination of these factors inhibits the regular growth of spruce, rendering trees more susceptible to the attack of P. chalcographus.
Assessment of the performance of some new insecticides for the control of the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus in a Tunisian vineyard
Authors: Mansour R. , Grissa Lebdi K. , Rezgui S.
Published: November 2017

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) cause major economic losses in many Tunisian grapegrowing areas. In an attempt to improve management strategies for the Vine Mealybug (VM) Planococcus ficus (Signoret), three insecticides, imidacloprid, Prev-Am® and spirotetramat, were evaluated for their effect on this insect on vine, with reference to methidathion. The systemic insecticide spirotetramat (Movento® 150 OD) provided the greatest control performance of the VM populations, compared to the contact insecticide methidathion, the systemic insecticide imidacloprid applied through furrow irrigated system, and to Prev-Am®, a new contact biopesticide. Three weeks after treatment, VM eggs and adult females were missing from spirotetramat-treated vines. Additionally, spirotetramat supplied a long-residual activity against VM populations and prevented further spread of these insects on vine leaves. Therefore, this new systemic insecticide could be incorporated in an Integrated Pest Management program for VM control in Tunisian vineyards. Despite its short-residual activity, Prev-Am® was shown to be more effective than both methidathion and imidacloprid, mainly on VM eggs and L3 nymphs, and resulted in the highest level of VM L1-L2 nymph decrease on vine trunks. Hence, this biopesticide might prove useful for VM management in vineyards.
Conspecific and heterospecific host discrimination in two parasitoid species of the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni, the solitary Leptomastix epona and the gregarious Pseudaphycus flavidulus
Authors: Karamaouna F. , Copland M.J.W.
Published: November 2017

Leptomastix epona (Walker) and Pseudaphycus flavidulus (Brèthes) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are endoparasitoids of the mealybug Pseudococus viburni (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Leptomastix epona is a solitary parasitoid originating from Europe and P. flavidulus is a gregarious parasitoid from South America. Conspecific and heterospecific host discrimination was examined between unparasitised female adult mealybugs and others already parasitized, at different time intervals between the primary and the following oviposition. Female wasps of L. epona discriminate between unparasitized hosts and hosts parasitized 0-96 hours previously by a conspecific selecting more often the first over the latter for oviposition. Females of P. flavidulus discriminate between unparasitized hosts and hosts parasitized prior to 0-72 hours by a conspecific. Conspecific superparasitism also occurs in both parasitoid species. The secondary sex ratio of L. epona and the clutch size of P. flavidulus are not affected by superparasitism whereas the secondary sex ratio of P. flavidulus in superparasitized hosts is more male biased than in single parasitized hosts. The solitary parasitoid L. epona does not discriminate between unparasitized hosts and hosts parasitized by P. flavidulus 0-3 or 24 hours previously. Nevertheless the gregarious parasitoid P. flavidulus discriminates between unparasitized hosts and hosts parasitized by L. epona 0-3 hours earlier, but it oviposits without discrimination in hosts heterospecifically parasitized 24 hours beforehand. When multiparasitism occurs at 0-3 hours after the first oviposition, L. epona is a superior competitor regardless of which species oviposits first. However, when the time interval between the two ovipositions is 24 hours, the probability of the offspring of P. flavidulus winning the competition with L. epona increases when either species oviposits first. The potential effect of multiparasitism on parasitoid coexistence is discussed in relation to prospects for multiplespecies introductions or augmentative releases for the biological control of the mealybug.
Feeding and oviposition preferences of Monochamus galloprovincialis on its main hosts Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster
Authors: Koutroumpa F.A. , Salle A. , Lieutier F. , Roux-Morabito G.
Published: November 2017

Considering the key role of Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the dispersion of the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Bührer) Nickle (Nematoda: Aphelenchoidea), in Europe, defining the host spectrum and preference of M. galloprovincialis is of primary importance for forest management. Therefore, comparative studies under laboratory conditions were performed in order to define the feeding and oviposition preferences of M. galloprovincialis adults as well as the larval development on Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster. Both nutrition and oviposition were significantly higher on P. sylvestris. However, no difference was found when comparing larval survival on the two Pinus species even though larvae attended the fourth instar earlier when reared on P. sylvestris than on P. pinaster. The results of this study reinforce the suspicions of a future rapid propagation of the nematode, by M. galloprovincialis, into the Pine forests all over Europe.
Temporal asynchrony, spatial segregation and seasonal abundance of aphids on apple trees
Authors: Perdikis D. , Lykouressis D. , Mitropoulou G. , Tsiantis P.
Published: November 2017

The species composition and seasonal abundance of aphids and their natural enemies were investigated in an apple orchard located in central Peloponnese. For that purpose shoots were collected at weekly intervals. The aphid species Aphis pomi De Geer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Eriosomatidae) were recorded. In both years of the study, A. pomi developed higher populations than the other two species. The population of A. pomi was high in June and July. D. plantaginea was present in April and May, with high numbers mainly in May, whilst E. lanigerum was recorded in low numbers from May to July. The number of aphids was not found to differ significantly between samples collected from the northern and southern part of the trees. The species composition of aphid population on each sampled shoot, documented spatial segregation between A. pomi and D. plantaginea. It was proved that the eggs were more commonly laid near the buds of the central part of the twigs. The natural enemies found were predators belonging to the families of Coccinellidae, Chrysopidae, Syrphidae and Anthocoridae. Generally, their numbers were low.
The scale insect Dynaspidiotus abietis (Schrank) on Abies cephalonica (Pinaceae)
Authors: Stathas G. J.
Published: November 2017

Data on phenology and morphology of the scale insect Dynaspidiotus abietis (Schrank) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), found on fir trees Abies cephalonica (Pinaceae) on mount Taygetos (Peloponnesus - southern Greece), are presented. The species is biparental and oviparous. During this study (June 2004 – August 2006) D. abietis completed one generation per year. It overwintered as mated pre-ovipositing female adult. Ovipositions were recorded from May to July. The majority of the hatches of the crawlers were observed in June. Predated individuals of the scale which were found during the study period were attributed to the presence of the predator Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).
New hosts for the pyriform scale Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Greece
Authors: Stathas G.J. , Kartsonas E.D. , Kontodimas D.C.
Published: November 2017

[...]
First contribution to the study of the ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of the Ζagοri region (Epirus, Greece): Αn annotated list of species
Authors: Legakis A.
Published: November 2017

The paper contains records of 33 ant species collected in the Zagori region of Northwestern Greece in 1979 and 1981. These are the first records of ants from this region. Some notes on their morphology and ecology are included. An analysis of the general distribution of the species shows that the influence of the Mediterranean, South European, Asiatic and Pontic elements is approximately equal. For some species the region is the southernmost limit in the Balkans. Seven species were observed only over l000 m. while three of them were observed only over 1400m. Most species arc either insectivores or omnivores. Omnivores and species with Mediterranean or South European distribution predominate in or near human settlements.
Harmful mesostigmatic mites ectoparasitic to honey bees
Authors: Emmanouel N.G. , Pelekassis C.D. , Santas L.A.
Published: November 2017

Mites of the order Mesostigmata are among the frequent and dominant components of the beehive acarofauna. Several of them belonging to the families: Varroidae. Laelapidae and Ameroseiidae are important parasites or capably harmful species to the honey bee. Among them, V. jacobsoni and Neocypholaelaps favus are widespread in Greece, while the existence of a third species Mellitiphis alvearius is quite probable. A brief treatise of the harmful mesostigmatic mites found in the beehives all over the world is given. Detailed drawings of all stages of V. jacobsoni are given, of which drawings the immature stages appear for the first time.
Factors affecting the potential increase rate (eλ, PIR), as defined by Hughes, in populations of Sitobion αvenαe (F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae
Authors: Lykouressis D.Ρ. , Emden Η.F. Υan
Published: November 2017

The potential rate of increase (PIR), used in Hughes’ time-specific life table analysis for aphid populations as a multiplication factor for the instar-period was studied in popula(ions of Sitobion avenae (F.) in the absence and presence of the parasite Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) under controlled conditions. Two factors were mainly found to alter PIR values in the presence of parasites. These were the feeding preference of adult A. abdominalis for the first instar aphids and the prolonged instar duration of the third instar of aphids which had been parasitized by an adult parasite at the first instar. These two factors contributed to lower values of PIR and as a consequence to an underestimation of the expected (potential) population for the next instar-period
Inhibition of larval growth of Dαcus oleαe by topical application of streptomycin to olives
Authors: Tzanakakis Μ.Ε. , Prophetou D.Α. , Vassiliou G.N. , Papadopoulos J.J.
Published: November 2017

Olives of four varieties were oviposited by females of Dacus oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae). One to four hours or one day later, a 5 μl drop of streptomycin sulphate solution in tap water was applied to the oviposition hole. If applied 1-4 hours after oviposition, concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, or 1% were equally effective, inhibiting larval growth in over 85% of the olive fruits. If applied one day later, the 0.1% concentration was less effective, while the 0.3 and 1% ones retained their high effectiveness. With 2 μl drops, inhibition was not significantly lower than with 5 μl drops. The addition of 0.05% or 0.5% Agral 90 a spreader-wetter, had an activating effect, causing a substantial and significant increase of the percent inhibition.
Α new species of Hystripαlpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Hatzinikolis Ε.Ν.
Published: November 2017

The female, male, deuteronymph and larva of Hystripalpus macedonicus, new species, are described and illustrated. This mite was found on tender shoots and leaves of the olive-tree in Macedonia, Greece. Some information on the distribution and the feeding habits of the genus Hystripalpus on olive-tree is also given.
Using drone brood in the control of the Varroa disease of bees in Greece
Authors: Santas L.A. , Lazarakis D.M.
Published: November 2017

The use of drone brood to control the Varroa disease (Varroa jacobsoni Ouds) was tested in twenty bee colonies (ten as control) which had a very low Varroa mite infestation. The experiment started in winter 1981-82. Early in spring 1983 the brood was removed from ten hives and later during April, May and June it was replaced by drone combs (trap combs) which were also removed when drone cells were capped. The same treatment was repeated during spring 1984. In July 31, 1984, the adult bee infestation was 0 to 7%, while the worker brood’s infestation was 0 to 17%. The data show that, after two and half years without any acaricidal treatment, six out of the ten bee colonies continued to have a very low mite infestation, while three showed high infestation and had to be treated with acaricide. One of the three colonies was treated by acaricide in the winter 1983-84, that is two years from the beginning of this experiment. On the contrary, in the ten control colonies (with the same low infestation in spring 1982) the mite infestation reached catastrophic levels by August 1983.
Evaluation of fluνalinate, methomyl and kinoprene on the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum West. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Roditakis Ν.Ε.
Published: November 2017

The effectiveness of three insecticides, fluvalinate, kinoprene and methomyl (synthetic pyrethrin, juvenile hormone analog and organophosphate, respectively), against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum West. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), was evaluated in commercial greenhouses. The impact of chemicals was studied on isolated whitefly stages in a rearing room (24 ± I”C, 65 ± 5% R.H. and L:D 16:8h). Fluvalinate was the most effective toxicant through its broad activity on whitefly life stages. Kinoprene controlled 2nd and 3rd larval instars but a moderate effectiveness was noticed on eggs, first instar larvae and pupae. Methomyl was effective against first instar larvae and adults but it had no substantial effect on the other stages. Of the three materials tested only fluvalinate approached the total control requirements for a successful whitefly suppression.
La teigne de l’ oliνier,Prays oleae Bern. (Lepidoptera, Hyponomeutidae) a Corfou, Grèce
Authors: Tzoras Τ. , Arambourg Υ.
Published: November 2017

Des campagnes de piégeage de P. oleae a l’’aide de pièges sexuels poursuivis plusieurs années sur l’ensemble de l’ile de Corfou ont permis de mettre en évidence la présence permanents du phytophage dans 1’ensemble des zones oléicoles de l’ile, même celles subissant chaque ann6e des traitements généralises contre D. oleae. Des examens complémentaires d’échantillons de boutons floraux et de fruits ont permis de dénombrer quelques éléments du complexe entomophage lié à la Teigne, entre autre un parasite embryonnaire du groups des Trichogrammes.
Preliminary results for the eνaluation of the action of Saissetia oleae parasites in Corfu.
Authors: Stratopoulou Ε.Τ. , Kapatos Ε.Τ.
Published: November 2017

The action of parasites of Saissetia οleae (OIiv.) (Homoptera-Cοccidae) is studied in Corfu from 1980 in the framework of an ongoing project on the population dynamics of Saissetia οleae. Results obtained during the period 1980-1983 from 17 experimental sites indicate the following: a) the population of S. οleae increased in 1981 but from 1982 it declined to very low levels; following the overall decline of the host population, parasitization rates of third instar larvae (mainly by Μetaphycus helνolus Comp.) were relatively low and ranged from 2.1% to 6.7% for the autumn period and from 14.6% to 29.4% for the spring period; this does not minimize the possibility that Μetaphycus helνolus plays an important role on the regulation οf S. οleae populations; b) a considerable proportion of females of S. οleae is attacked during summer by Μetaphycus lounsburyi How. (an internal parasite on preovipositing females), Μoranila californica How. and Scutellista cyanea Μοtsch. (egg predators), but their significance upon the population system of S. οleae is not expected to be great. The action of Μetaphycus lounsburyi in spring, when the peak of the suitable stage occurs (i.e. fourth instar larvae), appears to be very low, at least for these three years. Its action is delayed and most of the specimens of this parasite emerge from ovipositing females in early summer. Among the species attacking S. οleae females, Μ. californica (recently introduced in Corfu) was the most abundant and it might be worthy to be introduced to other parts of Greece too.
Records of Thysanoptera from Northern Greece
Authors: Jenser G. , Tzanakakis M.E
Published: November 2017

Twenty two species of Thysanoptera found on 29 species of plants in three counties of Northern Greece are listed. For two thirds of them these are the first records for the region. Four of them: Aeolothrips versicolor Uzel f. similis Priesner, Kakothrips dentatus Knechtel, Stenothrips graminurn Uzel and Thrips fuscipennis Haliday are new for the Greek fauna.
Contribution to the study of potato aphids in Greece
Authors: Panayotoy P.C. , Katis N.
Published: November 2017

Four aphid species were identified in the Metsovo potato center, Greece. Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon, infesting subterranean parts of potato, is reported for the first time in Greece, while Aphis frangulae, infesting the potato foliage, is reported for the first time on potato plants in Greece. High resistance to methamidophos was observed with the latter aphid species. Potato virus Y (PVY) was transmitted by all four species of aphids
Preliminary search for a νirus in Dacus oleae Gmel. populations in Northern Greece
Authors: Manousis T. , Eley S.M. , Pullin J.S.K. , Labropoulos Α. , Moore N.F.
Published: November 2017

A large number of larvae of Dacus oleae were collected from infested olives in Northern Greece, and a small proportion of these were found to be dead. Adult flies were caught in McPhail traps at the same locations. The larvae and adults were fractionated by a series of steps designed to identify occluded and nonoccluded viruses. Virus-like particles were identified in small amounts only in the dead larvae.
The genus Tenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in Greece
Authors: Hatzinikolis Ε.Ν.
Published: November 2017

Knowledge of the Greek mites of the genus Tenuipaipus was limited to the following two species only: T. caudatus (Doges) and T. granati Sayed. Recent studies revealed the presence of another five species namely: T. crassus Andre, T. pacificus Baker, T. punicae Pritchard and Baker, T. rosae Kadzhava and T. zhizhilashviliae Reek. A key to the seven species now recorded from Greece is presented. Some information concerning the distribution, economic importance and host plants of the above mentioned Tenuipalpus species is also given.
Contribution to the description. record and onomatology of Aceria oleae (Nalepa, 1900) (Acari: Eriophyidae)
Authors: Hatzinikolis E.N.
Published: November 2017

The female of Aceria oleae is described and illustrated and for first time, the dimensions of the different parts and accessories of the body are given. The male of this mite is also described and illustrated for first time. The world distribution as well as the local distribution in Greece are recorded. Information on the onomatology is provided.
First record of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks 1904) (Αcari: Tarsonemidae) on greenhouse peppers in Crete
Authors: Roditakis Ν.Ε. , Drossos Ν.Ι.
Published: November 2017

The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Acari: Tarsonemidae), was first noticed on greenhouse pepper cv Cleopatra and Sonar in Ierapetra (Southeastern Crete) in 1984. During 1984 there were scattered mite infestations in a few greenhouses but in the following years it has become an increasingly important pest of peppers. The mite has been also found on cucumber cv Cnossos, aubergine cv Flaska and Solanum aviculare (indigenous of Amazonios) in the greenhouses of the Ierapetra Experimental Station. It atta­cks the growing points, young foliage, stem flowers and fruits. The growing points and bud are distorted, the young leaf margins down curl, the apical leaves crinkle, the leaf veins fuse and distort and the color changes to dark green, the fruits and stem crack and turn russet, mis-shape resembling like a fruit or stem scab and finally the small leaves and flowers fall off. Severely affected plants have little or no young growth, remain stunt and all fruitlets are aborted. The general look of the infested plants is similar to those affected by hormone weedkiller. Affected plants could not recover easily and the symptoms persisted for many weeks in spite of the acaricide treatments applied by the growers. In an artificial infestation of young pepper plants cv Sonar by 100-200 individuals, the symptoms of broad mite damage appeared in eight to ten days under growth chamber conditions (24±0.5°C, 60±5% R.H., 12.000 Lux for 16 hours daily).In Greece, the broad mite was first recorded on cotton leaves in 1969 and later on citrus trees. In Britain, it causes serious problems since 1978. It has been also noticed in several other countries of Europe. The spread of P. latus in many greenhouse plants in Britain was caused by the absence of acaricide treatments in green­houses where biological control against the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae was ap­plied and the predator Phytoseilus persimilis was introduced by French bean leaves which was a recorded host of broad mite. The female longevity varies between 7-18 days depending mainly on temperature. The mean number of eggs/female is 40-50. The life cycle of broad mite is completed in 441, 205 and 98 hours at 14, 24 and 30°C, respectively. The developmental rate of various stages of the mite increased with the temperature but declined at about 35°C. The broad mite has been recorded on a wide range of hosts: tea plant, beans, tomatoes, cucumber, pep­pers, aubergines, citrus, zerbera, fuchsia, jasmin­um, magnolia, cotton, jute, coffee, avocado etc.
Larval development and timeliness of pupation in the laboratory of the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae), on certain diets, under various Ρhοtoperiοd, tempera­ture, aeration and humidity conditions
Authors: Tzanakakis Μ. Ε. , Barnes Μ. Μ.
Published: November 2017

Development of larvae of the navel orangeworm, Arn.ielois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae), was studied under various photoperiods, temperatures and larval diets, in an effort to induce dormancy. Ready – to – batch eggs or neonate larvae were placed in transparent vials half – full of diet. Fully grown larvae not pupating within 14 days at 26.7oC and L:D 16:8 were considered as being in dormancy. With artificial larval diets containing bran, yeast, vitamins, and fortified or not with a high protein cereal and egg yolk, none of the treatments induced dormancy to a substantial percentage of laboratory stock or wild larvae. With dry walnut meats, larval growth was slower and survival much lower than with the artificial diets. With walnut meats, when eggs were incubated at 32.2oC and L:D 0:24, a certain percentage of grown larvae of the laboratory stock underwent dormancy when grown as larvae under the conditions that follow: 40% at 21oC and L:D 12:12, 17% at 21oC and L:D 0:24, 19% at 26.7oC and L:D 16:8, and 22% at 26.7oC and L:D 0:24 for the first 14 days than at 21oC and L:D 8:16 for the rest of larval life. When both embrya and larvae developed at 21oC and L:D 0:24, 17% of the larvae underwent dormancy. Yet, the relatively small number of grown larvae in the groups fed walnut meats suggests further work for the occurrence of dormancy in this insect to be proven. No larvae developed on straight brewers’ yeast powder. Straight soybean flour or 9:1 and 7:3 mixtures of it with yeast powder allowed the production of grown larvae, pupae and adults of normal appearance. The rate of larval growth on the soy:yeast diets was significantly slower than on a reference diet. At 26.7oC, a L:D 16:8 photoperiod was as good as a 14:10 one. Continuous darkness resulted in significantly reduced yield in adults and rate of larval growth. High relative humidity on the surface of the diet allowed excessive growth of fungi on and in the soy:yeast diets and resulted in a much faster larval growth. Larvae developed well on dry walnut meats and in cracked dry and water-soaked walnuts. Inside the walnuts the rate of larval growth was uneven, some larvae being still fairly small on the 53rd day at 26.7oC, while the majority was fully grown or had already pupated.
Characteristics of infestation of olive trees by Prociphilus oleae (Le­ach ex Risso) (Homoptera: Pemphigidae)
Authors: Tzanakakis M. E. , Prophetou-Athanasiasdou D. Α.
Published: November 2017

A widespread infestation of olive trees in and near the city of Thessaloniki by Prociphilus oleae (Leach ex Risso) (Homoptera: Pemphigidae) was observed in 1988. Colonies including immatures and young slate adults were observed as late as early June. Infested trees were abundant along the streets of the Kalamaria section of the city. Infestations were also recorded 12 Km to the south and 75 Km to the southeast of the city, as well as on the island of Thassos, 200 Km to the east. Most infested trees had broad leaves and dense foliage, as well as scars, fissures, or other cavities on the trunk and limbs, and were shaded during part of the day by other trees or neighboring buildings. Compact colonies of the aphid occupied usually the basal part of 2 to 3-year old shoots at various heights in the trees up to 4 m, and mostly 1.5 to 2.5 from the ground. Usually there was one colony per shoot, and exceptionally up to 5.
Aegyptobia villiensis, a new species of the family Tenuipalpidae (Acari: Prostigmata) from Greece
Authors: Hatzinikolis Ε.Ν. , Emmanouel N.G.
Published: November 2017

The female of Aegyptobia villiensis, new species, is described and illustrated. It was collected from twigs of Pyrus amygdaliformis at Villia Attiki, Greece.