bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Trap Elevation on Estimates of Abundance, Parity Rates, and Body Size of Culex pipiens and Culex restuans (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Drummond Cori L. , Drobnack Jason , Backenson P. Bryon , Ebel Gregory D. , Kramer Laura D.
Published: January 2015

Trapping success, abundance, parity rate, and body size indices of Culex pipiens (L.) and Culex restuans Theobald, important vectors of West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV), were determined for specimens captured from both ground level (≈1-m) and elevated (≈6- to 7-m) CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps. Mosquitoes were collected from six study sites in Albany County, New York, from mid-May to mid-October 2004. There was no significant difference in abundance or mean parity for either Cx. pipiens or Cx. restuans between the elevated and the ground-level traps. Mosquitoes collected in elevated traps tended to be larger than mosquitoes collected at ground level. Elevated traps captured significantly fewer mosquitoes per trap-night than did ground traps, but a greater proportion of those captured were Culex spp. Therefore, elevated traps more efficiently captured Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans with similar reproductive status and body size and reduced the time necessary to sort and identify collections. These findings may be beneficial to researchers or surveillance programs focusing on Cx. pipiens or Cx. restuans.
Natural Survivorship of Immature Stages of Culex vishnui (Diptera: Culicidae) Complex, Vectors of Japanese Encephalitis Virus, in Rice Fields in Southern India
Authors: Sunish I. P. , Reuben R. , Rajendran R.
Published: January 2015

The development and survival of immatures of Culex vishnui (Diptera: Culicidae) complex, vectors of Japanese encephalitis virus, were studied in transplanted rice, Oryza savita L., fields during three crop growing seasons. The total duration of development from the first instar to adult emergence varied from 6 to 8 d. Survival rate estimates ranged from 0.003 to 0.524, but they generally were <0.1. Unusually high survival rates (0.192–0.524) were observed in summer and long-term monsoon crop seasons during 1993. A multiple regression method using backward elimination was used to analyze the factors responsible for these variations. The model identified nine parameters related with survival rates that explained 99% of the variance. Area of water surface and hardness were negatively related, whereas green algae, notonectid adults, anisopterans, dytiscids, salinity, water depth, and dissolved oxygen were positively associated with immature survival.
Life History and Seasonal Abundance of Fannia benjamini Complex (Diptera: Muscidae) in Southern California
Authors: Mullens Bradley A. , Gerry Alec C.
Published: January 2015

Seasonal abundance and life history of Fannia benjamini complex (Diptera: Muscidae) was studied in the coastal mountain community of La Habra Heights in Los Angeles County, California, with additional observations in drier, inland mountains in the Woodcrest area, Riverside County. The dominant species (>95% of fly collections) was Fannia conspicua Malloch, whereas Fannia benjamini Malloch also was present. Both species could be collected nearly year-round by netting adults (almost exclusively females) attracted to people, although F. benjamini was relatively more common in cooler weather (November-April). In La Habra Heights, adult activity peaked in June and July (both species), whereas peak activity in Woodcrest was late April through June for F. conspicua and February through April for F. benjamini. Field-collected adult females provided only water died within 2–4 d, whereas females provided with water plus a dry milk and sugar mixture survived up to 128–130 d in the laboratory. Males of F. conspicua (1–40 individuals) swarmed at heights of 0.5–4.0 m near Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) Schwantes, an exotic, succulent, low-growing ground cover plant. Eggs of F. conspicua were deposited singly on older, decaying leaves of this plant, and adult F. conspicua emerged from Aptenia-covered areas in the field. In the laboratory, larvae of F. conspicua grazed on microbial surface films associated with Aptenia. Emergence of F. conspicua from field-collected soil-Aptenia mixtures (held in the laboratory) occurred from 1.5 to 5 mo after collection. Widespread Aptenia planting since the 1980s has probably resulted in F. conspicua becoming a severe human nuisance in some areas.
Characteristics of Grass Infusions as Oviposition Attractants to Aedes (Stegomyia) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Sant’ana Adson L. , Roque Rosemary A. , Eiras Alvaro E.
Published: January 2015

Ovitraps baited with grass infusions were evaluated in the field as oviposition attractants or stimulants for Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquitoes. Significantly higher oviposition by Aedes aegypti (L.) was observed in areas with no vegetation, but intense human presence, whereas Aedes albopictus (Skuse) oviposition was significantly higher in areas with vegetation, regardless of human presence. Ovitraps baited with infusions of Panicum maximum (Jacq.) collected significantly more eggs than controls containing tap water. Moreover, the number of eggs deposited in ovitraps baited with infusion made from fresh, mature leaves was higher compared with dried leaves or fresh, immature leaves. Anaerobically fermented of grass infusions were more attractive than either aerobically fermented or sterilized infusions of P. maximum. The fermentation age of the grass infusion also affected the oviposition response of mosquitoes. Significantly more eggs were deposited in baited ovitraps containing a fresh leaf infusion of P. maximum fermented for 15 or 20 d, compared with the controls. This demonstrates that 15- or 20-d anaerobic fermentation made of fresh, fully mature leaves of P. maximum is the optimum infusion for ovitrap-based Aedes (Stegomyia) surveillance mosquitoes in Brazil. Neglecting to consider these differences in infusion attractiveness may introduce significant variation in surveillance results.
Laboratory Evaluation of Avian Odors for Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Attraction
Authors: Allan S. A. , Bernier U. R. , Kline D. L.
Published: January 2015

Attraction of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Culex tarsalis Coquillett, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, and Aedes aegypti (L.) to avian and other host odors was investigated in a dual-port olfactometer. Although attraction to a human arm was high for Ae. aegypti (>80%) and low for all Culex spp. (<25%), all species responded similarly to a chicken (55.3–73.6%). Responses of Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Cx. nigripalpus to feathers were low (<20%) but greater than to controls. There was no difference in attraction of Cx. tarsalis to feathers or controls. Responses to CO2 (5 ml/min) were low for all species (<15%) except Cx. tarsalis, which were moderate (24.5%). When feathers were combined with CO2, the resulting attraction was additive or lower than responses to feather and CO2 alone for all species except for Cx. tarsalis, which had responses that were three-fold greater than expected if responses were additive. The CO2–feather treatments were less attractive than a chicken for all species. When olfactometer assays were extended from 3 to 20 min, responses by Ae. aegypti significantly increased to a chicken and CO2 and attraction of Cx. quinquefasciatus significantly greater to chickens, CO2, and feathers. None of the volatile compounds previously identified from feathers or uropygial glands tested were attractive. Both feather-rubbed cotton balls and hexane extracts of feathers were attractive and as attractive as feathers; however, ether extracts were not attractive. Feathers clearly contribute to the attraction of host-seeking Culex spp., and future studies will focus on identification of the attractant compounds.
Population Genetics of Ochlerotatus eatoni (Diptera: Culicidae) Endemic Species to Two Macaronesian Islands
Authors: Khadem Mahnaz , Conçalves Ysabel , Mendonça Sandra , Capela Ruben
Published: January 2015

Analyses of 11 isoenzyme loci of Ochlerotatus eatoni, endemic to two Macaronesian Islands (Madeira and Tenerife, Canary Islands), revealed substantial genetic structure in the study populations. Samples from sites on the south and north of Madeira displayed a significant reduction of variability compared with those from central Madeira and Tenerife. The Tenerife population exhibited a severe deficit of heterozygosity with similar magnitude across all the loci examined. The complex pattern of variation in Oc. eatoni is because of interplay of breeding structure, genetic drift, and geographical and historical factors. From these findings, we concluded that island colonization by Oc. eatoni was not marked by founder effect.
Larvicidal Activity of Extracts of Ginkgo biloba Exocarp for Three Different Strains of Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Sun Lixin , Dong Huiqin , Guo Chongxia , Qian Jin , Sun Jing , Ma Lei , Zhu Changliang
Published: January 2015

Ethanolic extracts from the Ginkgo biloba L. exocarp from the Chinese ginkgo were assayed against larvae of three strains of Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett. The chemical compositions were detected using a Hewlett-Packard 6890/5973 mass spectrometric detector. The larvicidal bioassay was carried out according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The analysis of the essential oil of ginkgo exocarp showed that its major components are ginkgo acid (85.3%) and ginkgo phenolic (5.69%). The larvicidal bioassay showed that extracts of ginkgo exocarp have LC50 of 18.6, 12.7, and 25.0 mg/liter for deltamethrin-susceptible, deltamethrin-resistant, and field strains, respectively. The acute toxicity concentrations of the ginkgo extracts that killed 50% (LD50) of Wistar rats within 2 wk and young carp within 96 h were 4947.2 mg/kg and 557.9 mg/liter, respectively. These results are promising in creating new, effective, and affordable approaches to mosquito control.
Effects of Azadirachtin on the Development and Mortality of Lutzomyia longipalpis Larvae (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)
Authors: Coelho Claudia Alves Andrade , de Souza Nataly Araújo , Feder Maria Denise , Silva Carlos Eugênio da , Garcia Elói de Souza , Azambuja Patricia , Gonzalez Marcelo Salabert , Rangel Elizabeth F.
Published: January 2015

The effects of azadirachtin A added to the standard diet on the development, mortality, and metamorphosis of Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912 were studied. Concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 μg of azadirachtin/mg of diet significantly increased larval mortality in comparison with nontreated insects. Concentrations 0.1 and 1.0 μg blocked the molt of larvae, which remained as third instars until the end of the experiment. The 10 μg/mg concentration resulted in greater molt inhibition. In this group, all insects stopped their development as second instars. Simultaneous addition of ecdysone (1 μg/mg) to the standard diet containing azadirachtin counteracted the effects of azadirachtin on mortality and inhibition of ecdysis. These results indicate that azadirachtin is a potent growth inhibitor of L. longipalpis.
Insecticide Resistance in Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles gambiae from Mozambique
Authors: Casimiro S. , Coleman M. , Hemingway J. , Sharp B.
Published: January 2015

Malaria control in the southern part of Mozambique is currently by indoor residual spraying with a carbamate insecticide and by pyrethroid-treated bed-nets distributed to pregnant women and children under five in northern Mozambique. The susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles arabiensis Patton to pyrethroid, carbamate, organochlorine, and organophosphorus insecticides was determined by World Health Organization adult mosquito susceptibility tests at 17 localities in Mozambique, from March 2000 to July 2002. Biochemical assays were carried out on mosquitoes from the same families to detect shifts in the quantity or activity of enzyme families involved in insecticide detoxification. An. gambiae s.s. from all localities remained fully susceptible to DDT and the organophosphorus insecticide malathion. A low level of pyrethroid resistance was detected in populations in southern Mozambique. Populations outside Maputo province were still susceptible to pyrethroids. Low level resistance to the carbamate propoxur also was detected in An. arabiensis from two localities. Mosquitoes from five of the localities had elevated p450 estimates, compared with the insecticide susceptible Durban strain. The lack of cross-resistance between pyrethroids and DDT in Mozambican populations suggests that a kdr-type target site resistance mechanism has not been selected. Increased frequencies of insecticide insensitive acetylcholinesterase, the target site for carbamates and organophosphates, were found in 16 of the populations tested. Although vector control with bendiocarb is not being compromised by the presence of the acetylcholinesterase mechanism alone, the high level of insensitive acetylcholinesterase unless sensibly managed may have long-term implications for malaria control programs in Mozambique.
Importance of Socioeconomic Status and Tree Holes in Distribution of Aedes Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Joshi Vinod , Sharma R. C. , Sharma Yogesh , Adha Sandeep , Sharma Keerti , Singh Himmat , Purohit Anil , Singhi Manju
Published: January 2015

Immature Aedes mosquitoes were found in domestic, peridomestic, and tree hole habitats within three socioeconomic strata of Jodhpur, a city within an arid area of Rajasthan, India, endemic for dengue. Peridomestic habitats served as a persistent source of Aedes vectors, especially those used for watering cows for religious reasons that were located within high socioeconomic areas. Domestic (indoor) containers within low socioeconomic strata showed a higher container index (27.0%) than periurban areas with cattle sheds (14.3%) or high socioeconomic areas (18.1%). Mosquitoes were collected in tree holes at zoos and gardens supporting several species of monkeys. Six of 67 Aedes albopictus Skuse reared from immatures collected in tree holes tested positive for dengue antigen acquired through vertical transmission, possibly indicating a persistence mechanism for dengue virus within an urban environment.
Role of Corvids in Epidemiology of West Nile Virus in Southern California
Authors: Reisen William K. , Barker Christopher M. , Carney Ryan , Lothrop Hugh D. , Wheeler Sarah S. , Wilson Jennifer L. , Madon Minoo B. , Takahashi Richard , Carroll Brian , Garcia Sandra , Fang Ying , Shafii Marzieh , Kahl Nicole , Ashtari Siranoosh , Kramer Vicki , Glaser Carol , Jean Cynthia
Published: January 2015

The invasion of different southern California landscapes by West Nile virus (WNV) and its subsequent amplification to epidemic levels during 2004 enabled us to study the impact of differing corvid populations in three biomes: the hot Colorado desert with few corvids (Coachella Valley), the southern San Joaquin Valley (Kern County) with large western scrub-jay but small American crow populations, and the cool maritime coast (Los Angeles) with a large clustered American crow population. Similar surveillance programs in all three areas monitored infection rates in mosquitoes, seroconversion rates in sentinel chickens, seroprevalence in wild birds, numbers of dead birds reported by the public, and the occurrence of human cases. Infection rates in Culex tarsalis Coquillett and sentinel chicken seroconversion rates were statistically similar among all three areas, indicating that highly competent mosquito hosts were capable of maintaining enzootic WNV transmission among less competent and widely distributed avian hosts, most likely house sparrows and house finches. In contrast, infection rates in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say were statistically higher in Kern and Los Angeles counties with elevated corvid populations than in Coachella Valley with few corvids. Spatial analyses of dead corvids showed significant clusters near known American crow roosts in Los Angeles that were congruent with clusters of human cases. In this area, the incidence of human and Cx. p. quinquefasciatus infection was significantly greater within corvid clusters than without, indicating their importance in virus amplification and as a risk factor for human infection. In contrast the uniform dispersion by territorial western scrub-jays resulted in a high, but evenly distributed, incidence of human disease in Kern County.
Use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems to Predict Locations of Anopheles darlingi-Positive Breeding Sites Within the Sibun River in Belize, Central America
Authors: Achee Nicole L. , Grieco John P. , Masuoka Penny , Andre Richard G. , Roberts Donald R. , Thomas James , Briceno Ireneo , King Russell , Rejmankova Eliska
Published: January 2015

Previous studies have identified several anopheline species integral to the transmission of malaria in Belize. The highly efficient vector, Anopheles darlingi Root, is currently considered the most important. The preferred larval habitat of An. darlingi has been described as floating detritus patches, which are commonly associated with overhanging spiny bamboo, Guadua longifolia (E. Fourn.), along river margins. The objectives of this study were to use remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) tools to 1) define the landscape features (i.e., river curvature, land cover, and house locations) associated with An. darlingi-positive breeding habitats and 2) determine the association between cleared land cover and the growth of spiny bamboo. A systematic survey was conducted in which all detritus patches of at least 1 m2 were sampled, mapped using GPS, and characterized by cause of habitat lodging. Bamboo stretches growing along the river margins also were mapped. Spatial analyses of satellite imagery found no associations between river characteristics or land cover with positive An. darlingi habitats. In addition, there was no significant difference in cleared versus forested land cover in relation to the presence or absence of bamboo. Results indicate that the average distance from homes to negative habitats was significantly greater than from positive detritus mats. Based on the land cover and river characteristics used, our results do not support the use of remote sensing as a predictive tool to locate specific areas within rivers positive for An. darlingi habitats.
Impact of Sustained Use of Insecticide-Treated Bednets on Malaria Vector Species Distribution and Culicine Mosquitoes
Authors: Lindblade K. A. , Gimnig J. E. , Kamau L. , Hawley W. A. , Odhiambo F. , Olang G. , Kuile F. O. ter , Vulule J. M. , Slutsker L.
Published: January 2015

Insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) significantly reduce malaria vector populations. Susceptibility to ITNs differs by vector species, and culicine mosquitoes have not been shown to be significantly affected by the use of ITNs. We examined the impact of 2–4 yr of ITN use on malaria vector species distribution and culicine mosquitoes. Routine entomological surveillance was conducted in adjacent areas with and without ITNs from November 1999 to January 2002. Use of ITNs reduced the proportion of Anopheles gambiae Giles relative to Anopheles arabiensis Giles. The number of culicines per house was significantly lower in the ITN area than in the neighboring area. Changes in the An. gambiae sibling species distribution may help to explain apparent mosquito behavioral changes attributed to ITNs. Reductions in culicines by ITNs may have implications for community perceptions of ITN effectiveness and for control of other diseases such as lymphatic filariasis.
Molecular Phylogenetics of Aedes japonicus, a Disease Vector That Recently Invaded Western Europe, North America, and the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Cameron Emilie C. , Wilkerson Richard C. , Mogi Motoyoshi , Miyagi Ichiro , Toma Takako , Kim Heung-Chul , Fonseca Dina M.
Published: January 2015

We used two mitochondrial loci (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 4 and cytochrome oxidase II) and a nuclear locus (28S-D2 spacer) for a total of 1337 bp to evaluate the relationships among the four subspecies of Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus Theobald. Ae. j. japonicus was recently introduced into the United States and has been expanding rapidly. We also included in our analysis a morphologically very closely related species, Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus Edwards, as well as three more distantly related species: Aedes (Finlaya) togoi Theobald, Aedes (Finlaya) hatorii Yamada, and Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans Meigen. We found that the four subspecies in the Ae. japonicus complex are genetically quite distinct but seem to form a monophyletic group that surprisingly also includes Ae. koreicus, suggesting the need for a taxonomic reconsideration of the group. We also found that the two southern subspecies are more closely related to each other than to any of the remaining subspecies or to Ae. koreicus and may indicate an ancient north-south split of the lineage. Considering the overlap between Ae. j. japonicus and Ae. koreicus, but the stronger association between Ae. koreicus and humans, we are surprised it also has not expanded from its original range. As a proactive reaction to this possibility, we designed and tested a DNA-based rapid assay to differentiate Ae. koreicus from some of the species with which it may be confused in the United States. These Aedes are putative vectors of several important viral encephalitides.
Establishment of Quantitative Sequencing and Filter Contact Vial Bioassay for Monitoring Pyrethroid Resistance in the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Seong Keon Mook , Lee Da-Young , Yoon Kyong Sup , Kwon Deok Ho , Kim Heung Chul , Klein Terry A. , Clark J. Marshall , Lee Si Hyeock
Published: January 2015

Two point mutations (V419L and L925I) in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel α-subunit gene have been identified in deltamethrin-resistant bed bugs. A quantitative sequencing (QS) protocol was developed to establish a population-based genotyping method as a molecular resistance-monitoring tool based on the frequency of the two mutations. The nucleotide signal ratio at each mutation site was generated from sequencing chromatograms and plotted against the corresponding resistance allele frequency. Frequency prediction equations were generated from the plots by linear regression, and the signal ratios were shown to highly correlate with resistance allele frequencies (r2 > 0.9928). As determined by QS, neither mutation was found in a bed bug population collected in 1993. Populations collected in recent years (2007–2009), however, exhibited completely or nearly saturating L925I mutation frequencies and highly variable frequencies of the V419L mutation. In addition to QS, the filter contact vial bioassay (FCVB) method was established and used to determine the baseline susceptibility and resistance of bed bugs to deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin. A pyrethroid-resistant strain showed >9,375- and 6,990-fold resistance to deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Resistance allele frequencies in different bed bug populations predicted by QS correlated well with the FCVB results, confirming the roles of the two mutations in pyrethroid resistance. Taken together, employment of QS in conjunction with FCVB should greatly facilitate the detection and monitoring of pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs in the field. The advantages of FCVB as an on-site resistance-monitoring tool are discussed.
Salivary Gland Thrombostasin Isoforms Differentially Regulate Blood Uptake of Horn Flies Fed on Control- and Thrombostasin-Vaccinated Cattle
Authors: Cupp Mary S. , Cupp Eddie W. , Navarre Christine , Zhang Dunhua , Yue Xin , Todd Latora , Panangala Victor
Published: January 2015

Thrombostasin (TS) is an anticlotting protein found in saliva of Haematobia irritans (horn flies). The polymorphic nature of the ts gene was first associated with success of horn flies blood feeding on a laboratory host, New Zealand White rabbits. In this study, we report results of similar studies testing blood uptake of horn flies feeding on a natural host, cattle. These studies confirmed the association of ts genotype with blood uptake of horn flies and showed that it was host species specific. In contrast to rabbits, blood uptake volumes of homozygous ts10 horn flies were lower than those of other ts genotypes when fed on control (ovalbumin-vaccinated) cattle. Cattle vaccinated with recombinant protein isoforms, rTS9 or rTB8, resisted horn fly feeding by yielding lower blood volumes compared with flies feeding on control cattle. The specific impact of vaccination, however, varied by ts genotype of flies. Cattle vaccinated with isoform rTS9 resisted flies of ts2, ts9, and tb8 genotype. Vaccination with isoform rTB8 produced resistance to ts8, ts9, and tb8 genotype flies. Horn flies of genotype ts10 were not affected by vaccination with either TS isoform and fed as well on rTS9- and rTB8-vaccinated as on control-vaccinated cattle. These experimental results confirm the efficacy of vaccines targeting horn fly salivary proteins and provide new insight into the dynamics of horn fly-cattle interactions in nature.
Sampling Biases of the BG-Sentinel Trap With Respect to Physiology, Age, and Body Size of Adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Ball Tamara S. , Ritchie Scott R.
Published: January 2015

Currently, Aedes aegypti (L.) control strategies are being developed that involve manipulation of the vector at the adult stage (e.g., the use of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia to shorten the life span of the vector population). These novel strategies demand adult sampling methods to measure changes in population size, structure (age, sex ratio), and, ultimately, the success of the program. Each sampling method presents certain biases. Once these biases are defined, methods used to estimate population size and structure can be calibrated accordingly, resulting in more accurate and complex estimates of the vector population. A series of mark-release-recapture experiments with adult Ae. aegypti were conducted in a large outdoor flight cage and an indoor setting in far north Queensland, Australia. The biases of the BG-Sentinel trap (BGS) were investigated across several categories, as follows: 1) mosquito age; 2) sex; 3) physiological status; and 4) body size. Biases were not detected across age groups or body sizes. A significant bias was detected across physiological groups: nulliparous females were recaptured at a significantly lower rate than all other groups except blood-fed parous females, which were also recaptured at a low rate by the BGS. Males were recaptured at a higher rate than all groups, but only a significant difference in recapture rates was observed between males and nulliparous females. Previous studies show that the BGS is a highly effective tool for Ae. aegypti surveillance. The BGS proves to be a reliable tool in Ae. aegypti surveillance with consistent sampling outcomes. The sampling bias of the BGS is measurable and can be used to generate more accurate estimates of the adult population and its attributes.
Caiman-Biting Mosquitoes and the Natural Vectors of Hepatozoon caimani in Brazil
Authors: Viana Lucio André , Soares Priscilla , Paiva Fernando , Lourenço-de-Oliveira Ricardo
Published: January 2015

Mosquitoes that feed on crocodilians are poorly known, despite the potential role of these exothermic animals as reservoirs of arboviruses. In this article, we assessed the frequency, abundance, and temporal variation of caiman-biting mosquitoes as well as searched for the natural vectors of the blood parasite of caimans, Hepatozoon caimani, in the Pantanal area of central-western Brazil from captures conducted bimonthly from September 2006 to September 2007 and in February 2008. A total of 5,272 mosquitoes belonging to 10 species of five genera was caught on caimans. The most abundant species were Culex (Melanoconion) theobaldi, Mansonia (Mansonia) titillans, Mansonia (Man.) humeralis, and Mansonia (Man.) amazonensis, which together accounted for 80% of all sampled individuals. Other blood-feeding Melanoconion species were also found quite frequently on caimans, including Culex clarki, Culex idottus, and Culex bastagarius. Oocysts of H. caimani were exclusively detected in Culex species, mainly in individuals of the subgenus Melanoconion, and we accomplished experimental transmission from naturally infected mosquitoes to uninfected Caiman yacare. The highest infection rates were observed in Cx. theobaldi (0.55%), which is therefore indicated as the primary vector of H. caimani. In addition, because the above mentioned Melanoconion and Mansonia species are abundant, widespread, and have a broad set of hosts, including crocodilians, they may be suggested as potential vectors of arboviruses, such as West Nile virus, in the Southern Cone in South America.
Changes in Development and Heat Shock Protein Expression in Two Species of Flies (Sarcophaga bullata [Diptera: Sarcophagidae] and Protophormia terraenovae [Diptera: Calliphoridae]) Reared in Different Sized Maggot Masses
Authors: Rivers David B. , Ciarlo Timothy , Spelman Michael , Brogan Rebecca
Published: January 2015

Development of two species of necrophagous flies, Sarcophaga bullata Parker (Sarcophagidae) and Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Calliphoridae), was examined in different size maggot masses generated under laboratory conditions. Larvae from both species induced elevated mass temperatures dependent on the number of individuals per mass. The relationship was more evident for S. bullata, as larvae generated higher temperatures in every size maggot mass than P. terraenovae. Several development events were altered with increasing maggot mass size of flesh flies, and to a lesser extent blow flies, which corresponded with elevated temperatures. Duration of development of all feeding larval stages decreased with increased size of maggot mass. However, the length of development during puparial stages actually increased for these same flies. Puparial weights also declined with maggot mass size, as did the ability to eclose. The altered fly development was attributed to the induction of heat stress conditions, which was evident by the expression of heat shock proteins (23, 60, 70, and 90) in larval brains of both fly types.
Endoaortic Occlusion with the Intraclude Device during the Management of Ascending Aortic Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Anderson Mark B. , Shah Salil G. , Arnold Jennifer L.
Published: January 2015

A 63-year-old man was admitted with chest pain after a previous aortic valve replacement. Computed tomographic scan identified a 7-cm pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta, and he was referred for repair. At operation, endoaortic occlusion of the aorta was used to arrest the heart and decompress the aorta to facilitate sternal reentry, dissection, and subsequent control. To our knowledge, this technique has not been reported and represents a useful maneuver in this challenging clinical situation.
Left Ventricular Remodeling after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: One-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Zakkar Mustafa , Alassar Aiman , Lopez-Perez Manuel , Roy David , Brecker Stephen , Sharma Rajan , Jahangiri Marjan
Published: January 2015

Objective

The impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on left ventricular (LV) mass regression is not well defined. We aimed to measure LV mass regression, changes in LV volumes and dimensions, as well as mitral valve function after TAVI.

Methods

Eighty patients who underwent TAVI between 2008 and 2010 were studied. Echocardiographic findings before procedure and at 6- and 12-month follow-up were analyzed.

Results

Aortic valve area increased from 0.71 (0.27) cm2 before procedure to 1.89 (0.64) cm2 at 12 months ( P < 0.001), which was associated with reduction in peak [80.79 (23) vs 16.9 (6.5) mm Hg, P < 0.001] and mean [47.65 (14.2) vs 8.77 (3.29) mm Hg, P < 0.001] gradients. At 1 year, there was a change in LV end-systolic volume [46.12 (36.6) to 48.96 (4.05) mL, P = 0.042] and LV mass [202.4 (92.2) to 183.6 (98.2) g, P = 0.04]. Left ventricular mass index regressed from 130.7 (28.9) to 122.1 (28.9) g/m2 ( P = 0.01). Maximum wall thickness decreased from 1.28 (0.18) to 1.25 (0.17) cm ( P < 0.001). There was no significant change in LV ejection fraction, LV end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters, as well as mitral valve regurgitation.

Conclusions

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is associated with significant regression of LV hypertrophy at 1 year. However, this regression was not associated with changes in LV systolic and diastolic functions, size, or changes in mitral valve regurgitation.
Reversed halo sign caused by huge tricuspid native valve infective endocarditis associated with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Saraya Takeshi , Kikuchi Ken , Araki Koji , Uehara Yuki , Makino Hiroshi , Tamura Masaki , Hirukawa Ichiro , Honda Kojiro , Yokoyama Takuma , Kurai Daisuke , Ishii Haruyuki , Fujiwara Masachika , Takizawa Hajime , Goto Hajime
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

A reversed halo sign (RHS) has diverse differential diagnoses such as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, fungal, bacterial and mycobacterial infections, and systemic and neoplastic diseases. However, no report has been described regarding an RHS associated with infective endocarditis (IE).

Case presentation:

A 43‐year‐old man was transferred to our hospital because of persistent pyrexia, chest pain with multiple cavitary lung lesions for a month. He was diagnosed with tricuspid native valve IE caused by massive vegetations in the context of CA‐MRSA (staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type II, sequence type 91, clonal complex 509) infection with multiple pulmonary septic emboli, manifesting as an atypical RHS.

Conclusion:

The present case showed huge tricuspid native valve IE associated with community‐acquired meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA), which was analysed successfully by multilocus sequence typing.
Bovine pyogranulomatous mastitis caused by Mycobacterium goodii
Authors: Machado Gustavo , Gressler Letícia Trevisan , Siqueira Franciele Maboni , Balzan Cláudia , Brum Juliana Sperotto , De Vargas Agueda Castagna
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

Mycobacterium goodii is a rapidly growing non‐tuberculous mycobacterium that has recently been associated with severe infections in animals and humans. The ecological niche of M. goodii remains unclear, and cases in large animals remain either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Case presentation:

We present a case of a 5‐year‐old Holstein cow showing mastitis signs of pronounced glandular hardening that did not respond to antibiotic therapy. During the milk bacteriological culture, we observed Gram‐positive and acid‐fast rods with an unusual profile in the milk diagnostic routine. Biochemical tests were performed and the results showed a bacterium belonging to the group Mycobacterium smegmatis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, and the result for tobramycin indicated the presence of M. goodii. In order to confirm its identity, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed, showing 100 % nucleotide similarity with M. goodii. Histological analyses of a biopsy specimen obtained from the affected mammary quarter showed evidence of pyogranulomatous and diffuse mastitis, both suggestive of bacterial intracellular infection.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of mycobacterial mastitis caused by M. goodii infection in cows, identified through isolation of the bacteria and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although the role of this agent in bovine mastitis remains unclear, we highlight its potential source for humans and the implications for the dairy industry.
FASCIATED EAR4Encodes a bZIP Transcription Factor That Regulates Shoot Meristem Size in Maize
Authors: Pautler Michael , Eveland Andrea L. , LaRue Therese , Yang Fang , Weeks Rebecca , Lunde China , Je Byoung Il , Meeley Robert , Komatsu Mai , Vollbrecht Erik , Sakai Hajime , Jackson David
Published: January 2015

Plant architecture is dictated by precise control of meristematic activity. In the shoot, an imbalance in positive or negative maintenance signals can result in a fasciated or enlarged meristem phenotype. fasciated ear4 (fea4) is a semidwarfed mutant with fasciated ears and tassels as well as greatly enlarged vegetative and inflorescence meristems. We identified FEA4 as a bZIP transcription factor, orthologous to Arabidopsis thaliana PERIANTHIA. FEA4 was expressed in the peripheral zone of the vegetative shoot apical meristem and in the vasculature of immature leaves and conspicuously excluded from the stem cell niche at the tip of the shoot apical meristem and from incipient leaf primordia. Following the transition to reproductive fate, FEA4 was expressed throughout the entire inflorescence and floral meristems. Native expression of a functional YFP:FEA4 fusion recapitulated this pattern of expression. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing to identify 4060 genes proximal to FEA4 binding sites, including ones that were potentially bound and modulated by FEA4 based on transcriptional changes in fea4 mutant ears. Our results suggest that FEA4 promotes differentiation in the meristem periphery by regulating auxin-based responses and genes associated with leaf differentiation and polarity, potentially in opposition to factors such as KNOTTED1 and WUSCHEL.
Physical Matching of Metals: Grain Orientation Association at Fracture Edge
Authors: Lograsso Barbara K.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to examine whether surface crystal orientation can be used to associate or differentiate metal fracture fragments. The orientations of individual crystals and crystals across the fracture plane were measured on polished steel and iron alloy surfaces using Electron Backscattered Diffraction/ Orientation Imaging Microscopy (EBSD/OIM). This investigation examined crystallographic characteristics within a metal. This study showed that for transgranular fracture, it is feasible that pieces of grains could be associated across the fracture surface with the difference in orientation between grains (misorientation) along a length sequence of grain orientations on one side of the fracture surface to associate the other side of a fracture surface. Regarding pair comparisons of crystals on fracture surfaces, it was estimated that the probability for an ordered sequence of six distinct oriented grains along a fracture surface to occur again is about 1 in 4.82 (10)30 or 2.07 (10)−31.
Detrimental for Some? Heterogeneous Effects of Maternal Incarceration on Child Wellbeing
Authors: Turney Kristin , Wildeman Christopher
Published: January 2015

Research Summary

We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,197) to consider the heterogeneous effects of maternal incarceration on 9‐year‐old children. We find that maternal incarceration has no average effects on child wellbeing (measured by caregiver‐reported internalizing problem behaviors, caregiver‐reported externalizing problem behaviors, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐Third Edition scores, and child‐reported early juvenile delinquency) but that the effects vary by mothers’ propensities for experiencing incarceration. Maternal incarceration is deleterious for children of mothers least likely to experience incarceration but mostly inconsequential for children of mothers more likely to experience incarceration.

Policy Implications

It is important that public policies take into account the fact that not all children experience similar effects of maternal incarceration. For children of mothers who are unlikely to experience incarceration, the negative consequences of maternal incarceration could be driven by at least three factors, all of which may operate simultaneously and all of which potentially call for different policy interventions: (a) jail incarceration as opposed to prison incarceration, (b) incarceration for a crime that did minimal—or no—harm to their children, and (c) inadequate family supports for coping with maternal incarceration. We discuss these policy implications.
The Effect of Deadline Pressure on Pre‐Negotiation Positions: A Comparison of Auditors and Client Management
Authors: Bennett G. Bradley , Hatfield Richard C. , Stefaniak Chad
Published: January 2015

This study compares auditors' and chief financial officers' pre‐negotiation judgments and considers the potential differential impact the end of the audit (deadline pressure) has on each party. General negotiation literature suggests that individuals change their behaviors as deadline pressure increases (i.e., when there is less time in which to conduct a negotiation) in order to increase the probability of reaching an agreement. In an audit context, the end‐of‐engagement deadline is often based on regulatory filing deadlines (e.g., SEC filings for public companies), which are not determined by either negotiating party. The audit context is also unique in that there are asymmetric consequences for each party (the auditor and client management) for failing to reach an agreement and different negotiation tactics used by the two parties potentially leading to differing levels of concessions. We predict that auditors, who are in a stronger negotiation position, will generally concede less than client management when determining their pre‐negotiation position and will tend to use more contentious strategies. However, such contentious strategies require time. Thus, we expect, based on negotiation theory, that as deadline pressure increases, auditors' concessionary behavior will be more affected than that of client management. Consistent with expectations, results of our experiment suggest that CFOs concede more than auditors in general; however, auditors are more reactive to deadline pressure and increase concessions when faced with high deadline pressure, while CFOs do not. We also measure planned strategy use and find results to be consistent with theory: when deadline pressure is high, auditors are less likely to use contentious tactics, while CFOs' strategy choices are unaffected by deadline pressure. These results suggest that characteristics of the unique auditor–client negotiation environment, such as deadline pressures, have potentially differential effects on both parties due to the differing negotiation strategies employed by these parties.
Phenotypes and endotypes of rhinitis and their impact on management: a PRACTALL report
Authors: Papadopoulos N. G. , Bernstein J. A. , Demoly P. , Dykewicz M. , Fokkens W. , Hellings P. W. , Peters A. T. , Rondon C. , Togias A. , Cox L. S.
Published: January 2015

Rhinitis is an umbrella term that encompasses many different subtypes, several of which still elude complete characterization. The concept of phenotyping, being the definition of disease subtypes on the basis of clinical presentation, has been well established in the last decade. Classification of rhinitis entities on the basis of phenotypes has facilitated their characterization and has helped practicing clinicians to efficiently approach rhinitis patients. Recently, the concept of endotypes, that is, the definition of disease subtypes on the basis of underlying pathophysiology, has emerged. Phenotypes/endotypes are dynamic, overlapping, and may evolve into one another, thus rendering clear‐cut definitions difficult. Nevertheless, a phenotype‐/endotype‐based classification approach could lead toward the application of stratified and personalized medicine in the rhinitis field. In this PRACTALL document, rhinitis phenotypes and endotypes are described, and rhinitis diagnosis and management approaches focusing on those phenotypes/endotypes are presented and discussed. We emphasize the concept of control‐based management, which transcends all rhinitis subtypes.
Young Chinese children's beliefs about the implications of subtypes of social withdrawal: A first look at social avoidance
Authors: Ding Xuechen , Coplan Robert J. , Sang Biao , Liu Junsheng , Pan Tingting , Cheng Chen
Published: January 2015

The goal of this study was to examine young Chinese children's beliefs about the implications of different subtypes of social withdrawal (e.g., shyness, unsociability), including for the first time, social avoidance. Participants were 133 children in kindergarten (n = 58, Mage = 70.85 months) and grade 1 (n = 75, Mage = 83.49 months). Children were presented with vignettes describing hypothetical peers displaying shy, unsociable, avoidant, and socially competent behaviours and were then asked a series of questions to assess their beliefs about the implications of these different behaviours. Young children made distinctions between social withdrawal subtypes in terms of underlying motivations and emotions. Children also appeared to hold differential beliefs about the implications of different forms of social withdrawal: Of note, they anticipated that socially avoidant peers would experience the most negative outcomes. These findings provide some of the first evidence to suggest that social avoidance represents a distinct form of social withdrawal among young Chinese children. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of distinguishing between different subtypes of social withdrawal in Chinese culture.
PAD2 Activity Monitored via a Fluorescent Substrate Analog
Authors: Sabulski Mary J. , Wang Yanming , Pires Marcos M.
Published: January 2015

The post‐transitional modification of peptidyl arginine to citrulline by PAD2 can affect the inherent biophysical properties of the citrullinated protein. Furthermore, dysregulation of PAD2 activity has been implicated in a number of human diseases. Inhibition of these enzymes by small molecules can serve as essential probes in establishing a link to pathogenesis. Herein, we describe a profluorescent substrate analog that reports on the activity and the inhibition of PAD2 in a robust assay. Most noteworthy, we expect future drug discovery efforts based on PAD2 inhibition can be pursued via this assay.
Primary vs secondary adrenal insufficiency: ACTH‐stimulated aldosterone diagnostic cut‐off values by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Abraham Smita Baid , Abel Brent S. , Sinaii Ninet , Saverino Elizabeth , Wade Matthew , Nieman Lynnette K.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To validate the diagnostic utility of Cortrosyn™ stimulated aldosterone in the differentiation of primary (PAI) and secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) and to evaluate the effect of urine sodium levels and posture on test performance.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Healthy volunteers (HV; n = 46) and patients with PAI (n = 26) and SAI (n = 29) participated in the study. Testing included cortisol and aldosterone (by liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) measurements at baseline and 30 and 60 min after 250 μg Cortrosyn™. Plasma corticotropin (ACTH), renin activity (PRA) and urine spot sodium as a proxy for 24‐h urine sodium excretion were measured at baseline. The effect of a sitting or semifowlers posture was evaluated in healthy volunteers.

Results

A Cortrosyn™‐stimulated aldosterone level of 5 ng/dl (0·14 nmol/l) had 88% sensitivity and positive predictive value and 89·7% specificity and negative predictive value for distinguishing PAI from SAI. Spot urine sodium levels showed a strong correlation with peak aldosterone levels (r = −0·55, P = 0·02, n = 18) in the SAI but not PAI or HV groups. Posture did not have a significant effect on results.

Conclusions

Once diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, a stimulated aldosterone value of 5 ng/dl (0·14 nmol/l) works well to differentiate PAI from SAI. However, clinicians should be aware of the possible effect of total body sodium as reflected by spot urine sodium levels on aldosterone results. A 24‐h urine sodium measurement may be helpful in interpretation.