bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 530: Identification Of The Specific Residue In Apolipoprotein(a) Responsible For Mediating Covalent Attachment Of Oxidized Phospholipids
Authors: Clark Justin R , Youssef Amer , Borrelli Matthew J , Assini Julia , Boffa Michael , Koschinsky Marlys L
Published: November 2022

Oxidized phospholipids (oxPL) are highly inflammatory molecules that are linked to atherogenesis. Previously, Lp(a) was identified as the major carrier of oxPL in human plasma, with the majority of the oxPL being covalently associated to its apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) component. Earlier work by our group identified the Kringle (K) IV
10
domain of apo(a) as the site of oxPL binding; additionally, mutation of the strong lysine binding site (sLBS) in this domain eliminated oxPL addition. However, the specific residue(s) in apo(a) that bind oxPL remain elusive. In this study, we used site-directed mutagenesis of KIV
10
to identify the key residue of apo(a) involved in covalent attachment of oxPL and induction of inflammatory responses
in vitro
. Specifically, two residues in KIV
10
capable of binding oxPL by a Michael addition reaction (His 31 and 33) were identified as the probable sites of attachment. We mutagenized the residues to aspartic acid (Asp) and asparagine (Asn), respectively, based on the presence of these residues at these positions in plasminogen kringles. Six-kringle (6K) apo(a) variants harbouring these mutations were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and purified using lysine-Sepharose chromatography. Covalent oxPL modification of each apo(a) variant was assessed by E06 immunoblotting. Wild-type (WT) 6K and 6KHis31Asp were detected by E06 whereas 6KHis33Asn and 6KAsp56Ala (the LBS mutant) were not. Next, THP-1 macrophages were treated for 4 hours with 300 nmol/L of WT 6K apo(a), 6KHis33Asn, or 6KAsp56Ala. Expression of mRNA encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 by THP-1 cells was measured with quantitative real-time PCR. Relative to control, WT 6K apo(a) treatment of THP-1 cells significantly increased expression of
IL8
(2.32-fold; p<0.001). Treatment of THP-1 cells with 6KHis33Asn or 6KAsp56Ala apo(a) did not significantly affect
IL8
expression. We have thus identified the site of covalent attachment of oxPL to apo(a) as His33 in KIV
10
and we demonstrate that apo(a)-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages are abolished when oxPL binding is prevented through mutation of this residue. These findings provide avenues for development of therapeutics to potentially mitigate Lp(a)-mediated atherogenesis.
Abstract 534: High-density Lipoprotein Particles Containing Lipids Bearing An Eicosapentaenoyl Moiety Exhibit Increased Rates Of HDL-apolipoprotein A-I Exchange
Authors: Budhathoki Ram K , Borja Mark S
Published: November 2022

Objective:
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid associated with cardiovascular risk reduction and found in fatty fish, dietary supplements, and more recently, prescription drugs. EPA is incorporated into phospholipids which are transported through the body by lipoproteins, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL function can be measured from the HDL-apolipoprotein (apoA-I) exchange rate. We measured the rate of HDL-apoA-I exchange (HAE) on reconstituted HDL particles containing phospholipids bearing an eicosapentanoyl moiety to examine whether EPA is associated with enhanced HDL function.

Method and Results:
Reconstituted HDL particles were synthesized using recombinant human apoA-I. EPA-containing HDL particles were made with 16:0-20:5n-3 phosphocholine (PC) and 16:0-18:1n-9 PC in an 8:72 and 16:64 molar ratio, respectively. Particles containing only 16:0-18:1n-9 PC were used as a control. HDL particles were incubated with lipid-free apoA-I labeled with an Alexa 488 fluorophore as a probe to initiate HAE. The extent of HAE over time was quantified by non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to separate HDL particles from lipid-free apoA-I. The extent of Alexa 488 apoA-I binding to HDL was determined using densitometry. HDL particles containing EPA lipids exhibited 2-fold (8:72) and 2.5-fold (16:64) higher rates of HAE relative to the control particles.

Conclusions:
HDL particles containing EPA lipids show increased rates of HAE. The effect is dose-dependent, suggesting that among its benefits, EPA improves HDL function.
Abstract 542: Race, Sex, And Age Differences In Peripheral Arterial Disease-related Mortality In The United States, 2000 To 2019
Authors: Issa Rochell , Minhas Abdul M , Lang Jacob , Ariss Robert , NAZIR SALIK
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the US, however, data regarding mortality trends is limited. This study uses national death certificate data to characterize contemporary trends in PAD-related mortality in the US.

Methods:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) was queried for data regarding PAD-related deaths from 2000 to 2019 in the overall sample and from different demographics (age, sex, race). Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 people were calculated. Associated average percentage changes (APC) were computed using Joinpoint trend analysis software.

Results:
Between 2000 and 2019, a total of 1,959,050 PAD-related deaths occurred in the study population. Overall, AAMR decreased from 2000 to 2016, but remained relatively the same between 2016 to 2019. Men, Non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African American, NH American Indian or Alaska Native, and NH Asian or Pacific Islander showed a decline in AAMR. Women, NH White, Hispanic or Latino, ages 55 to 69 years, and 70 to 84 years showed initial declines, with no change in recent years. Ages 40 to 54 only had a change in crude mortality between 2002 and 2010. Overall, men, NH Black or African American individuals, and people aged 85+ were associated with the highest AAMRs of their respective subgroups throughout the study period. Notably, there was an increase in crude mortality rate amongst individuals 25-39 years of age from 2009 to 2019.

Conclusion:
PAD-related mortality in the US decreased from 2000 to 2016 but has stabilized in recent years. Despite improvement, disparities amongst sex, race, and age remain.

Figure 1.
PAD-related mortality rates by
1.A.
sex
1.B.
race
1.C.
ages 25-54 and
1.D.
ages 55-85+ in the United States, 2000 to 2019. *Indicates that APC is significantly different from zero at α=0.05.
Abstract 545: Incidence, Predictors And Risk Of 30-day Mortality Of Postoperative Acute Limb Ischemia Following Open-Heart Surgery
Authors: Agboola Olayinka J , Bonde Pramod
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
Postoperative acute limb ischemia (pALI) is a vascular emergency better prevented than treated. Knowledge of the predisposing factors is vital to prevention and early recognition. In this study, we examined the incidence, predictors, and the risk of 30-day mortality of pALI among patients who underwent open-heart surgery.

Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data collected at a single university hospital as part of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Adult Cardiac Surgery database between January 2006 and January 2018. The primary outcome was pALI (coded in STS as CVaLbIsc) defined as any ischemic event of the arterial system of either upper or lower limbs. For this analysis transcatheter procedure and entries with the missing outcome variable were excluded. The final sample was divided into 2 groups based on the presence of pALI or not. Logistics regression models were used to assess for association between pALI and the preop variables. KM curves were plotted to compare survival probability between the 2 groups.

Results:
Among the 5231 records included in this analysis, there were 60 (1.15%) cases of pALI. Multivariate regression model adjusting for known risk factors of acute limb ischemia showed body surface area (OR 0.19 (95%CI 0.07 - 0.52), p= 0.001); emergent/urgent procedures (OR 2.57 (95%CI 1.32 - 4.98), p=0.005; history of PVD (OR 4.89 (95%CI 2.83 - 8.43), p=<.0001); preop IABP use (OR 4.16(95%CI 2.22 - 7.80), p=<.0001); preop IV steroid use (OR 3.07 (95%CI 1.32 - 7.16), p=0.009; history of infective endocarditis (OR 3.66 (95%CI 1.61 - 8.29), p=0.002; Cardiogenic shock (OR 2.86 (95%CI 1.41 - 5.78), p=0.003) are independent predictors of pALI. ROC curve AUC of the final model= 0.83.

Conclusion:
A knowledge of the above risk factors may help identify at-risk individuals that may benefit from perioperative limb tissue oxygenation or perfusion monitoring thereby facilitating prompt diagnosis and intervention.
“The patriots proved most successful” or “They had been useless whenever fighting had to be done”
Authors: Stoil Jacob
Published: November 2022

Thousands of Ethiopians served with the irregular forces which fought alongside the British Empire in East Africa. According to some sources, they were more of a hindrance than a help. To others they were the critical factor that led to the liberation of the country. Understanding what the Ethiopian irregular forces did and whether they were effective is critical for the historiography of the East Africa campaign. If they were as widespread and effective as some sources suggest, then any study of the campaign which neglects them is not only incomplete, but also inaccurate. This article explores the activities of the Ethiopian irregulars and evaluates their effectiveness. By doing so, it not only provides an important historiographic intervention for other studies, but through its use of interviews conducted with Ethiopian veterans it helps to restore the lost voices and experiences of the Ethiopians themselves to the historical narrative.
How long do Acari live? A survey of mite lifespans (part 2) (Cover)
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG , FAN QING-HAI
Published: November 2022

Cover
Endosymbionts manipulation of the reproduction and development of spider mites
Authors: HONG XIAO-YUE
Published: November 2022

The spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus, is a polyphagous agricultural pest harboring various endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. How they interact with each other in the same host is not clear. How temperature impacts the host and their interaction with endosymbionts remains largely unknown. Furthermore, little is known about the bacterial communities of Tetranychus truncatus and the molecular mechanism underlying Wolbachia regulation of host genes. This keynote speech will review and reveal new developments and discoveries on endosymbionts from this spider mite in our laboratory.
Research status and an analysis of the taxonomy of the Family Torrenticolidae (Acari, Hydrachnidiae, Lebertioidea) in China
Authors: GU XINYAO , JIN DAOCHAO , GUO JIANJUN
Published: November 2022

The family Torrenticolidae belongs to Lebertioidea (Trombidiformes: Hydrachnidiae), one of the most abundant groups in species diversity in water mites (Krantz & Walter 2009). Up to now, the world’s total number of known torrenticolid species is 618 (Gu et al. 2019c, 2022a, b, c; Gu & Guo 2019; Pešić et al. 2019, 2020a, b, 2022). The earliest taxonomic study of Torrenticolidae started in 1837 (Koch 1837), but that in China started later in the 1990s (Jin 1997; Gu & Guo 2019). Therefore, the taxonomy of Torrenticolidae in China is relatively backward. As of December 2016, only 13 torrenticolid species were identified in China. So there are still many new taxonomic categories to be discovered. In addition, some other critical scientific problems are required to be solved quickly, such as limited available morphological characteristics and taxonomical methods.
Plant, pest and predator interplay: Tomato trichomes effects on Tetranychus urticae and its promising predatory mite, the phytoseiid Typhlodromus recki
Authors: TABARY LOU , NAVIA DENISE , TIXIER MARIE-STÉPHANE , AUGER PHILIPPE , MIGEON ALAIN , NAVAJAS MARIA
Published: November 2022

Trichomes are well-known efficient defense mechanisms used by tomato plants against herbivores and also can impact natural enemies. The system has been studied for years for this economically important crop, creating a pretty good baseline of knowledge of these complex processes. On cultivated tomato and wild relatives Solanum species, a high diversity of glandular and non-glandular trichomes exists, with different densities and locations on the plants depending on varieties/species.
Mites associated with stored Oryza sativa L. in the Philippines
Authors: MANGOBA MARK ANTHONY ANGELES , ALVINDIA DIONISIO DE GUZMAN , GIBE ALEXANDER JOEL
Published: November 2022

The mite fauna present in stored rice grains in the Philippines has never been systematically studied. Two of the identified species are known to produce human allergens, namely: Blomia tropicalis Bronswijk, Cock and Oshima (Echimyopodidae) and Suidasia pontifica Oudemans (Suidasiidae). Other species collected were Tropilichus aframericanus Fain (Glycyphagidae), Acarophenax tribolii Newstead and Duvall (Acarophenacidae), Chortoglyphus arcuatus Troupeau (Chortoglyphidae), Sancassania oudemansi Zachvatkin (Acaridae), Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans (Cheyletidae), Cunaxa capreolus Berlese (Cunaxidae), and Blattisocius keegani Fox (Blattisociidae). However, S. pontifica, C. malaccensis and B. keegani were the only constant and dominant species. On the other hand, lack of control measures and inadequate hygiene and cleanliness in various warehouses contribute to a significant infestation of storage mites. This information could be useful in understanding the acarofauna of stored rice grains and control of the damages and losses caused by storage mites, providing researchers a small starting point for dealing with mite infestations on rice grain.
An in-depth study on the life stages of lohmanniid mite Lepidacarus ornatissimus Csiszar, 1961 (Acari: Oribatida)
Authors: HAQ M.A.
Published: November 2022

The importance of oribatid mites in soil ecosystem for biodegradation of plant litter to increase soil fertility and crop development is a known fact. However, biodegradation of woody plant materials  appears to be a difficult task to most mites. This study concentrated on the developmental biology of a mite which prefers plant material of woody nature.
Revision of the genus Kymocta (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) with new records from Brazil
Authors: JACINAVICIUS F.C. , WELBOURN C. , OCHOA R. , BARROS-BATTESTI D.M. , BASSINI-SILVA R.
Published: November 2022

The neotropical genus Kymocta Yunker & Brennan, 1962 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) is currently represented by seven species parasitizing rodents and occasionally marsupials: Kymocta brasiliensis (Fonseca, 1935), Kymocta chironectes Brennan & Bronswijk, 1973, Kymocta faitkeni Brennan, 1968, Kymocta inca (Brennan & Jones, 1961), Kymocta lutui Goff, Whitaker & Dietz, 1983, Kymocta teratarsalis Yunker & Brennan, 1962, and Kymocta zulia Brennan & Bronswijk, 1973.
Identification of Euseius nicholsi and Euseius oolong (Acari: Phytoseiidae) by using integrative taxonomy
Authors: FANG XIAO-DUAN , WU WEI-NAN
Published: November 2022

Several specimens of an Euseius sp. were collected from Bajiaozhai National Forest Park (Guilin, China). Preliminary morphological observations showed that the species is very similar to Euseius nicholsi (Ehara and Lee, 1971) which is frequently reported from China and other far eastern countries, as well as Euseius oolong Liao and Ho, 2018, a species recently described from Taiwan. However, some morphological differences such as the body size, reticulation on the dorsal plate, shape of calyx of spermatheca etc., existed between these two species. In order to ascertain whether these morphological differences are representing different or a single species belonging to the genus Euseius, molecular analyses were conducted by using ITS, 12S rDNA, and mitochondrial DNA COI markers. Results revealed very low levels of genetic divergence (ITS 0–1%, 12S rDNA 0–2.37%, COI 0–2%), based on the three molecular markers, between Euseius sp., Euseius nicholsi [collected from Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences (IZGAS) and from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) data], and Euseius oolong (collected from IZGAS). In addition, the phylogenetic tree constructed by using the neighbor-joining method also showed that sequences of these three populations were clustered in a single clade and parallel to out-group Euseius ovalis. Therefore, it can be concluded that Euseius sp. probably belongs to Euseius nicholsi, and Euseius oolong is a junior synonym of this species. This study clearly demonstrates the importance of integrative taxonomy for the proper identification of phytoseiid mites, one of the most important groups of predators utilized for biological control all over the world.
Leipothrix argutae (Acari: Eriophyidae) infesting kiwi fruit trees in Jilin province, Northeastern China
Authors: HAN XIAO , CHEN RI-ZHAO , YUAN YING
Published: November 2022

Eriophyoid mites are herbivorous mites of a worldwide distribution. The genus Leipothrix (Eriophyidae) was established by Keifer (1966) and currently consisted of 53 species (including two species unpublished). This genus is characterized by (1) the absence of femoral setae bv from both legs and (2) the distinctive form of dorsal palp genual setae d, which is moderately long and bifurcate, with its branch being minute or very minute (sometimes seen as a sharp bend in the seta). Most Leipothrix spp. cause no damage and are vagrant on the leaf surface. However, some of them caused russeting and drying of the leaves when the mites were in high density. During field surveys in Zuojia Experimental Plot in Jilin Province, China, we collected two sympatric morphs of Leipothrix species from the hardy kiwi, Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. (Actinidiaceae), a cultivated vine. The mites were later described as L. argutae Han, Wang & Ai, 2020, which is a deuterogynous species (Han et al. 2020). These mites were found with large rust on the surfaces of leaves and fruits of the host plant. Local people wrongly attributed these symptoms to a kind of plant disease. Sometimes L. argutae is also confused with Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), which also causes rust in Citrus sp. and other related plant species. This is the first record of Leipothrix species on a species of Actinidiaceae, and also a new record of an eriophyoid mite causing serious symptoms and affecting fruit quality in kiwi fruits.
Updated spider mite management guidelines for California almonds as sixspotted thrips replace phytoseiids as predominant predator
Authors: HAVILAND DAVID R. , RILL STEPHANIE M.
Published: November 2022

Spider mites (Tetranychus sp.) are a universal pest of almonds in California that are naturally regulated by a variety of biological control organisms.  Historically, phytoseiids have served as the predominant predator whereas recent changes in pesticide spray programs have caused a higher-level predator, the sixspotted thrips, Scolothrips sexmaculatus, to gain importance.  Given the changing dynamics, we conducted research to re-evaluate treatment thresholds for spider mites and compare those to previous thresholds established in the 1980s.  Efforts were made to develop a sticky card trap system to monitor for sixspotted thrips (Haviland et al., 2021a) that was used to generate key information on its biology, phenology, and role in predator-prey relationships (Haviland et al., 2021b).  Finally, capture data for sixspotted thrips were used to develop thresholds based on sixspotted thrips sampling that could be used to predict whether mite populations would increase, decrease, or stay the same (Haviland et al., 2021c).
Expression and function analyses of sex-lethal gene in Phytoseiulus persimilis
Authors: LI MINGXIA , WANG ENDONG , ZHANG BO , LV JIALE , XU XUENONG
Published: November 2022

Phytoseiulus persimilis is a specialist predator of spider mites, with promising control effects. Its population generally has stable sex ratio. Under appropriate conditions, the proportion of female offspring can reach 80%. But the mechanism of sex determination in P. persimilis is still unclear. Sex-lethal (sxl) is an important gene in studying sex regulation mechanisms in insects. In the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, it has been proved to control sex determination and dose compensation. Herein, we screened one sex-lethal gene ortholog in the transcriptome of each stage of P. persimilis that fed with spider mites (Ppsxl). It contains three highly conservative RRM domains. The expression pattern and function of Ppsxl were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR and RNA interference. Ppsxl expressed in P. persimilis males and females at different developmental stages: the expression peaked 10 h after mating in females, and it was also highly expressed in eggs that developed into males (the first egg). The adult females, 5 hours after mating, were interfered through soaking in a mixed system of dsRNA and nanomaterials Star Polycation (dsRNA and SPc were 1:1 mixed, the concentration was 500 ng/μl). When Ppsxl was interfered, the expression of Ppsxl decreased by 47%. All female individuals after interference were fertile, and the first eggs still always developed into males. However, the daily fecundity per female decreased by 13.4%, and the proportion of female offspring decreased by 22.7%. This study showed that Ppsxl gene had a certain influence on reproduction of P. persimilis, but its influence on sex determination may not be as critical as that of D. melanogaster.
Toxicity of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle against Blomia tropicalis Bronswijk, Cock and Oshima
Authors: MANGOBA MARK ANTHONY ANGELES , ALVINDIA DIONISIO DE GUZMAN
Published: November 2022

The toxicity of Cymbopogon nardus (Poaceae) against Blomia tropicalis (Echimyopodidae) was tested in-vitro (i.e. vial method) and in-vivo (i.e. admixture method using corn grits as media). Based on the biological response of B. tropicalis, the estimated minimum effective concentration (MEC) of C. nardus extract (CNE) that give complete mortality was 1.75 g/L, and had a potential capacity to control B. tropicalis population. Thirty-two chemical components were identified in CNE based on GC-MS analysis. The seven major compounds were as follows:  Oleyl alcohol, methyl ether (35.34%), γ-Sitosterol (13.60), 6-Methylheptan-3-ol (8.04), α-Terpineol (3.92%), Citral (3.59), n-Pentadecanol (3.57%), and 1-Octadecanol methyl ether (3.51%). The CNE (1.75 g/L) was generally superior in terms of toxicity and volume concentration against B. tropicalis as compared with conventional synthetic acaricide (Coumaphos 2.50 g/L), as a standard control of stored product mites. It indicates that the major compound of CNE and its derivatives may have interacted synergistically; amplifying its toxicity and effect that leads into mite mortality.
Sublethal effects of bifenthrin on development, reproduction and predation of deltamethrin-resistant and deltamethrin-sensitive strains of Neoseiulus barkeri
Authors: CHANG JING , HUO ZHIJIA , MENG RUIXIA
Published: November 2022

The chemicals applied in the field always gradually decrease to low or sublethal concentrations, which usually have a substantial negative effects on natural enemies. In this study, the toxicity of bifenthrin on the deltamethrin-resistant and deltamethrin-sensitive strains of Neoseiulus barkeri were determined by the slide-dip method in the laboratory. The effects of the low and sublethal bifenthrin concentrations (LC10, LC20 and LC30) on the development, reproduction and predation of deltamethrin-resistant and deltamethrin-sensitive strains of N. barkeri were evaluated. The results showed that the LC50 values of bifenthrin on the deltamethrin-resistant and deltamethrin-sensitive strains of N. barkeri were 21.96 mg·L-1 and 0.15 mg·L-1, respectively, with the resistance of 146.40-fold. The fecundity and longevity of the parents of the deltamethrin-sensitive N. barkeri strain significantly decreased at three tested concentrations of bifenthrin compared with the control (distilled water treatment). With the increase in bifenthrin concentration, the net reproductive rate (R0) of deltamethrin-sensitive N. barkeri decreased gradually, while the juvenile duration and generation period of offspring (F1 generation) were prolonged. However, there was no significant effect of bifenthrin concentrations on the growth, development and reproduction of deltamethrin-resistant N. barkeri strain. After pretreatment with sublethal doses of bifenthrin, the functional response models of deltamethrin-resistant and deltamethrin-sensitive strains of N. barkeri on Tetranychus urticae were still Holling’s type II curves, whereas there were differences for the parameters of the models. Compared to the control, the attack rates of the deltamethrin-resistant and deltamethrin-sensitive strains of N. barkeri at LC20 and LC30 concentrations of bifenthrin were reduced by 2.01% and 2.12%, and 27.69% and 32.98%, respectively; and the handling time of the sensitive strain was prolonged by 16.22% and 54.37%, respectively. Thus, low and sublethal concentrations of bifenthrin significantly reduced the predation rates of the sensitive strain of N. barkeri, but not for the resistant strain of N. barkeri. It is concluded that bifenthrin can be used in combination with a deltamethrin-resistant strain of N. barkeri to control T. urticae in the field.
MaxEnt model for predicting potential distribution of ticks in the western Kanto region of Japan
Authors: DOI KANDAI , TABATA IORI , KATO TAKUYA , HAYAMA SHIN-ICHI
Published: November 2022

Land-use patterns, climatic factors, and wildlife distributions have been suggested to have a role in shaping vector tick distributions. In the Tokyo metropolis and surrounding prefectures, these factors have rapidly changed over the last few decades. Here, we estimated the potential distributions of ticks based on the data of a 7-year tick survey at 134 sites in western Kanto, Japan. We focused on  6 tick species (Amblyomma testudinarium; Haemaphysalis flava; H. kitaokai; H. longicornis; H. megaspinosa; and Ixodes ovatus) using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling based on the annual precipitation, snow depth; remote-sensing land-use patterns (Forest connectivity; Agricultural land; Urban; Open water; Deciduous broad-leaf forest; Deciduous needle-leaf forest; Evergreen broad-leaf forest; Evergreen needle-leaf forest; Bamboo forest; Grassland; Bareland), and the distributions of five common wildlife species [sika deer (Cervus nippon); wild boar (Sus scrofa); raccoon (Procyon lotor); raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides); masked palm civet (Paguma larvata)].
Spider mites avoid caterpillar traces to prevent intraguild predation
Authors: KINTO SHIORI , AKINO TOSHIHARU , YANO SHUICHI
Published: November 2022

The phytophagous spider mites Tetranychus kanzawai and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) can be as small as < 0.5 mm; thus, they are often incidentally consumed along with food plant leaves by voracious lepidopteran larvae (hereafter, ‘caterpillars’; Shirotsuka and Yano, 2012). Therefore, the ability to avoid such intraguild predation should confer a selective advantage to mites. We experimentally demonstrated that adult females of both mite species avoided settling on food plant leaves with traces of all tested caterpillar species (Bombyx mori, Papilio xuthus, Spodoptera litura, and Theretra oldenlandiae). We examined additional interactions using B. mori and T. kanzawai and found that B. mori trace avoidance by T. kanzawai lasted for more than 48 h. Tetranychus kanzawai also avoided B. mori traces on plant stems, along which mites access leaves. Moreover, T. kanzawai avoided acetone extracts of B. mori traces applied to filter paper, indicating that chemical substances of caterpillar traces are responsible for the avoidance. This study is the first demonstration of a repellent effect of herbivore trace chemicals on heterospecific herbivores. Although spider mites have developed resistance against many synthetic pesticides (Attia et al., 2013; Van Leeuwen et al., 2010), this study showed the potential of using natural compounds simulating caterpillar traces in repelling spider mites from agricultural crops.
Parasitic and phoretic mites of honeybees (Apis mellifera) from Wallis and Futuna
Authors: FAN QING-HAI , CAMOIN MARGOT , QUINN OLIVER , HALL RICHARD
Published: November 2022

This is the first report of parasitic and phoretic mites on honeybee (Apis mellifera) from the south Pacific islands, Wallis and Futuna which have 12 registered beekeepers, 27 apiaries and 178 hives. Seventy eight samples were collected from 20 apiaries belonging to 11 beekeepers of the two main islands during a honeybee multi-pathogen survey in the framework of PROTEGE project implemented by SPC (South Pacific Community). A total of 8415 bees (including 7973 workers and 442 drones) were washed for external mites and thirty worker bees from each sample were examined for internal mites using the thoracic disc method (TDM). All samples tested were negative for Acarapis woodi, Tropilaelaps spp. and Varroa spp. The mites detected, 297 individuals, were mounted on microscope slides. Eleven species were identified, and all are new to the fauna of Wallis and Futuna. Acarapis dorsalis (57.69%, family Tarsonemidae) is the most common species, followed by Suidasia pontifical (20.51%, Suidasiidae), Hattena tongana (11.54%, Ameroseiidae), Tyrophagus javensis (10.26%, Acaridae), Afrocypholaelaps africana (7.69%, Ameroseiidae), Acarapis externus (2.56%, Tarsonemidae), and Chaetodactylus ludwigi (2.56%, Chaetodactylidae). Four other species, Brevipalpus obovatus (Tenuipalpidae), Cheletomimus bakeri (Cheyletidae), Tyrophagus communis (Acaridae) and Tyrophagus macfarlanei (Acaridae) were detected on only one occasion. Apart from these, nine were not identified to species: Cerophagopsis sp. (1 tritonymph) and Thyreophagus sp. (1 deutonymph) (Acaridae), Czenspinskia sp. (1 larva) and Vidia sp. (2 deutonymphs) (Winterschmidtiidae), Grallacheles sp. (1 protonymph) (Cheyletidae), Lipstorpia sp. (1 deutonymph) (Histiostomatidae), Tenuipalpus sp. (1 deutonymph) (Tenuipalpidae), Iolinidae indet. (1 damaged specimen) and Scheloribatidae indet. (1 male). All species detected are not considered pests of bees.
Bat wing mites associated with phyllostomid bats: A coevolutive journey
Authors: MORALES-MALACARA JUAN B.
Published: November 2022

Spinturnicid mites of the genus Periglischrus Kolenati are permanent hematophagous ectoparasites, associated with phyllostomid bats in the Americas. The entire life cycle of these mites occurs on their hosts. The mites can be transmitted across host individuals via mother to offspring vertical transmission, during copulation or inter-individual contact at bat roosting sites where they form gregarious colonies.
Morphometric analysis of the bat wing mite Periglischrus ojastii (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) related to different yellow-shouldered bat host species and its distribution
Authors: VÁZQUEZ-XICOTÉNCATL NAOMI , MORALES-MALACARA JUAN B. , CASTAÑO-MENESES GABRIELA
Published: November 2022

Mammals host a broad diversity of parasite lineages that radiated along with them over their evolutionary history, showing in some cases a co-phylogenetic relationship. Understanding patterns of parasite diversification could provide insights into the processes of co-evolution more broadly. Spinturnicid mites of the genus Periglischrus provide an interesting study model since they are specific to phyllostomid bats. Currently, this mite genus has 26 species that range from monoxeny, stenoxeny to, in a few cases oligoxeny. Periglischrus ojastii is one oligoxenous mite that is associated with the Yellow-shouldered bats (Sturnira), which are abundant and widespread in the Neotropics and diversified during the Pliocene. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric and geometric variation on Periglischrus ojastii associated with the diversification and distribution of its host bat species of the genus Sturnira, as possible evidence of co-evolution.
Development and reproduction of Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Acari: Tetranychiae) on transgenic insect-resistant cotton plants
Authors: YANG YUANFA , CAI SHIYU , ZOU YANG , AI HUI , ZOU ZHIYONG , XIN TIANRONG , XIA BIN , ZOU ZHIWEN
Published: November 2022

The effects of two insect-resistant transgenic cotton strains (transgenic Bt pest-resistant cotton Zhongkangza 5 and Lumianyan 23, transgenic Bt+CpTI pest-resistant cotton sGK958 and Zhongmiansuo 45) on the growth and reproduction of Tetranychus cinnabarinus was examined in comparison with non-transgenic cotton (K836) at 70% relative humidity and 30±0.5 ℃. The results showed that T. cinnabarinus fed on transgenic Bt cotton and transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton differed significantly from those on conventional cotton in development time of various stages. Furthermore, the development times of mites on transgenic Bt cotton and transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton were the same, but the development times of T. cinnabarinus fed on transgenic Bt pest-resistant cotton Zhongkangza 5 and Lumianyan 23 were different, as well as the development times of T. cinnabarinus fed on transgenic Bt+CpTI pest-resistant cotton sGK958 and Zhongmiansuo 45. The pre-oviposition period, oviposition period and the female mite life span were longer (1.44 d, 12.71 d, and 14.11 d respectively) on non-transgenic cotton than on transgenic cotton. The maximum fecundity was 75.61 eggs per female on non-transgenic cotton and the minimum fecundity (54.68 eggs per female) was observed in mites fed on sGK958. The net reproductive rate (R0) was the highest (55.000) on non-transgenic cotton, but was the smallest (37.219) on Zhongkangza 5. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was the highest (0.454) on non-transgenic cotton, but was the smallest (0.246) on Zhongkangza 5. The finite rate of increase (λ) was the highest (1.575) on non-transgenic cotton, but was the smallest (1.278) on Zhongkangza 5. The population doubling time (DT) was the shortest (1.526 d) on non-transgenic cotton, but was the longest (2.823 d) on Zhongkangza 5. The results of this study indicated the negative effects of transgenic cotton on the development and reproduction of T. cinnabarinus was significant: the larvae had the lowest survival rate after feeding on five kinds of cotton, while deutonymphs had the highest survival rate; the hatching rate and deutonymph survival rate of T. cinnabarinus fed on CK were the highest, while the hatching rate and larval survival rate of the sGK958 were the lowest. Transgenic insect-resistant cotton basically showed significant effects on the development period of each stage and the whole generation of T. cinnabarinus, but there were no significant differences between univalent transgenic Bt cotton and bivalent transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton.
Ecosystem services of soil predatory mites depend on a functional soil food web
Authors: RUEDA-RAMÍREZ DIANA , RUESS LILIANE , CASTEL HOD , GAL SHIRA , FREILICH SHIRI , PALEVSKY ERIC
Published: November 2022

Species of soil predatory mites feed on a diverse diet making them excellent candidates for conservation biological control programs. Free living nematodes (FLNs) are commonly found in soils at all trophic levels and serve as prey for many soil predatory mites (SPMs) in a functional soil food web. Here we present highlights of two case studies and the preliminary results of one ongoing study, all with the common aim of improving the conservation of soil predatory mites for the control of soil pests. In the first study, we used Macrocheles embersoni for housefly control (Azevedo et al., 2019), in the second, Stratiolaelaps scimitus for the control of the root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita (Azevedo et al., 2020), and in the third, we use frass of black soldier fly Hermetia illucens as an organic amendment for harnessing the local soil food web for the control of RKN. In the first two studies, complementing the diet of predatory mites with the FLN Rhabditella axei in their culture medium resulted in higher predator abundance and better biological control, compared to the negative control and the release of predators without FLNs and microbiota. In the third study the effect of the soil amendment on soil biota and RKN control differed among soils. We expect that soil amendments alter biocontrol efficacy, and that these effects are dependent on the biodiversity of soil biota as well as abiotic soil properties, and that caring for soils is a pre-requisite for successful conservation biological control.
At last: A catalogue of free-living and arthropod-associated Laelapidae, with generic concepts and a key to genera
Authors: DE MORAES GILBERTO JOSÉ , MOREIRA GRAZIELLE FURTADO , FREIRE RENATA ANGÉLICA PRADO , BEAULIEU FRÉDÉRIC , KLOMPEN HANS , HALLIDAY BRUCE
Published: November 2022

We present a summary of a long-awaited catalogue of species of Laelapidae that are free-living predators or associated with arthropods (Moraes et al., 2022). This primarily includes taxa previously treated as Hypoaspidinae, Melittiphinae and Iphiopsidinae.
Trophic links between soil predatory mites and nematodes as a key component of conservation biocontrol
Authors: RUEDA-RAMÍREZ DIANA , PALEVSKY ERIC , RUESS LILIANE
Published: November 2022

Biological control is an important ecosystem service for soil and plant health and has been successfully exploited, especially through augmentative biological control programs, for above-ground agricultural pest control often using predatory mites of Mesostigmata. Similar success has not been achieved for below-ground systems. Predatory mites are an important part of soil food webs, in which they have a regulatory impact. While this is mediated by the predator on the prey, recent studies suggest that biocontrol efficiency can be enhanced in the mid to long term for generalist predators by the presence of complementary prey. In below-ground systems, nematodes are an important food source and numerous species of predatory mites in soil may prefer them. Thus, nematodes are a viable and accessible alternative prey for these natural enemies. Our aim was to review the studies on mite-nematode trophic interactions and how these interactions affect the regulatory activity of predatory mites in soil. We found ca. 170 publications reporting a predator-prey interaction. The majority of the studies were conducted in the laboratory (149 studies), but important correlations between nematode and mite densities have been observed in greenhouses and in the open field. Most reports involved free-living nematodes (FLN), followed by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) and finally animal-parasitic nematodes (APN). These reports are for Astigmatina, Endeostigmata, Prostigmata, Oribatida (non-Astigmatina) and Mesostigmata, the latter group being the one in which most nematophagous species are known. The family with the most reports of nematophagy is Ascidae (46 species), followed by Macrochelidae and Laelapidae (both with 30 species). In many cases, a positive effect on reproductive parameters and developmental times of mite species has been observed with a nematode-based diet, especially FLN. Although still scarce, studies on species of Laelapidae, Macrochelidae, Parasitidae and Rhodacaridae have shown that supplementing FLN in the diet can favor reproduction and development, even though preference may change at different stages of development. Also, recent studies have shown that some organic amendments can increase the density and diversity of mites, FLN or both, enhancing top down forces by predatory mites in the soil food web. Although some steps have been taken, future studies should focus on transferring laboratory research to field and semi-field conditions. For this, a multidisciplinary approach is essential.
Modelling and predicting transport of Acari on the plant import pathway
Authors: SACCAGGI DAVINA L. , WILSON JOHN R. U. , ROBINSON ANDREW P. , TERBLANCHE JOHN S.
Published: November 2022

Acari, as with other small arthropods, are most commonly introduced to new areas as contaminants of agricultural trade. The biosecurity risk of such trade is managed by national and regional biosecurity systems, a chief aim of which is to prevent the introduction of agricultural and environmental pests. However, agricultural contaminants are introduced unintentionally, can occur on any product in a wide range of places, and are often very small in size, which makes them inherently difficult to study, understand, and manage.
Interactions between pesticides and predatory mites and their effects on the integrated control of Brevipalpus yothersi in citrus
Authors: VECHIA JAQUELINE FRANCIOSI DELLA , DE ANDRADE DANIEL JUNIOR , RODA AMY L. , CARRILLO DANIEL
Published: November 2022

Brevipalpus yothersi Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important mite species inhabiting citrus crops. This mite is the vector of Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV), which causes leprosis disease.
How mites surprise us
Authors: NORTON ROY A.
Published: November 2022

It truly is an honor to be included among the recipients of the James Allen McMurtry Award, bestowed by the Systematic & Applied Acarology Society. I am grateful to Dr. Zhi-Qiang Zhang and the selection committee, and especially to Dr. Maria Minor, who nominated me, wrote the associated biography with Dr. Valerie Behan-Pelletier (Minor & Behan-Pelletier 2022), and recorded my oral presentation. The award was unexpected, since my career as a soil biologist seems rather unrelated to Jim’s field of biological control. But while acarologists occasionally have surprised me, mites do it constantly. One need not look far. Even our follicle mites, which certainly surprised our mid-19th century ancestors by their form and presence, continue to surprise us today: they have the lowest number of protein-coding genes known in arthropods, according to Smith et al. (2022). Having been asked by Dr. Zhang to offer some reflections on my half-century in acarology, I can think of no better premise than to give some examples of the numerous times and ways in which my focal group—oribatid mites—surprised, even astonished me.
Mite conservation: which species should we care about—and should we care at all?
Authors: SEEMAN OWEN D.
Published: November 2022

The enormous diversity of mites, some of which depend upon a single host species, coupled with threatened species and environments, means that some must be endangered or even extinct. But how do we identify an endangered mite species, recognise which species are at greater risk of extinction, and determine how they can be incorporated in conservation efforts?
Polishing Michael’s Shoe: The structure and variability in the genital chamber of Uropodina
Authors: NAREDO JEREMY C.B. , BRACKETT IAN , COMBITA-HEREDIA ORLANDO , ADAMS MORGAN , KLOMPEN HANS
Published: November 2022

Primary and secondary sexual characters of Mesostigmata are often used in species descriptions and phylogenetic analyses. The use of these characters has been focused almost exclusively on external structures such as the male chelicera and genital plates, while internal structures have only been utilized for lightly sclerotized species.
Phylogenomic resolution of the eriophyoid position among Acari and symbiotic bacteria of the gall‑inducing mite Fragariocoptes setiger (Eriophyoidea)
Authors: KLIMOV PAVEL B. , CHETVERIKOV PHILIPP E. , BOLTON SAMUEL J. , TOLSTIKOV ANDREY V.
Published: November 2022

Eriophyoid mites are ancient and widely distributed microscopic plant symbionts, with 4,400 nominal species. Some eriophyoid mites can induce galls in their plant hosts, but the mechanism of gall induction is not well understood. One hypothesis suggests that associated bacteria may enhance the production of phytohormones by gall-inducing arthropods. The phylogenetic position of Eriophyoidea is also a contentious issue.
Host plants contribute to the global pattern and diversification of herbivorous eriophyoid mites
Authors: XUE XIAO-FENG , YAO LIANG-FEI , YIN YUE , LI NI , HU YUE , SHAO ZI-KAI , ZHANG QI , SUN JING-TAO , HONG XIAO-YUE
Published: November 2022

Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) comprise approximately 5000 named species, leading to the most species-rich superfamily in the Acari. They are strictly herbivorous with a high level of host specificity, reflecting 89% of these mites attack only one or two congeneric host species (Yin et al., 2022).
Effect of age and density on dispersal probability and distance in Tetranychus ludeni Zacher
Authors: ZHOU PENG , HE XIONG ZHAO , CHEN CHEN , WANG QIAO
Published: November 2022

Dispersal strategies of species can affect its invasion success. Investigation into the dispersal strategies of invasive species in relation to different factors facilitates our understanding of the invasion mechanisms and provides knowledge for population management and invasion evaluation.
Kin discrimination in cannibalism by a predatory mite, Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: ZHANG KESHI , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: November 2022

Kin recognition has been widely observed across the animal kingdom. Individuals discriminate and treat conspecifics differently in relation to their genetic relatedness to increase their inclusive fitness (i.e. their own reproductive success and that of their relatives) and to avoid adverse influences from inbreeding. Although most studies on kin recognition have focused on group-living species, this behaviour can also be adaptive in solitary species.
Alteration of population size during oviposition influences reproductive performance in a haplodiploid mite
Authors: WEERAWANSHA NUWAN , WANG QIAO , HE XIONG ZHAO
Published: November 2022

Animals are sensitive to changes in social environments and may adjust their life history traits accordingly. Population size, for example in spider mites, is one of the key socio-environmental factors that affect female reproductive performance, including fecundity, egg size, and offspring sex ratio.