Roosting ecology and morphometric analysis of Pteropus medius (Indian flying fox) in Lower Dir, district, Pakistan / Ecologia de roosting e análise morfométrica de Pteropus medius (raposa-voadora indiana) no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Abstract The present study was conducted to explore morphometric variations of Pteropus medius (the Indian flying fox) and the roosting trees in Lower Dir, Pakistan. The bats were captured from Morus alba, Morus nigra, Brousonetia papyrifera, Pinus raxburghii, Hevea brasiliensis, Platanus orientalis, Populous nigra, Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Grevillea robusta through sling shot and mess net methods. A total of 12 bats were studied for the differential morphological features based on age and sex. Male bats were recorded higher in weight than females. The variations were found in body mass (821.1±34.65gm), circumference of body with wings (25.43±0.39cm), wingspan (112.58±1.90cm), Body length (20.73±0.68cm), Snout length (3.42±0.04cm), Eye length (1.45±0.033cm), Length of ear (3.56±0.05cm), Width of ear (2.46±0.04cm), Length b/w ear (5.51±0.11cm), Circumference of neck (12.23±0.24cm), Circumference of body without wings (18.68±0.31cm), Arm wing length (23.2±1.03cm), Length of thumb (5.43±0.1cm), Length of nail (1.89±0.05cm), Hand wing length (29.1±0.51cm), Maximum width of wing (21.03±0.68cm), Length b/w tip of wing to 5th digit (29.39±0.30cm), Length b/w 5th digit to foot (22.97±1.09cm), Length b/w feet (18.31±0.74cm) and Length of foot claw (4.23±0.05cm). This study was designed for analysis of external morphological variations for P. medius (the Indian flying fox) that may help in identification of these bats and their roosting sites.

Resumo O presente estudo foi conduzido com o intuito de explorar variações morfométricas de Pteropus medius (raposa-voadora indiana) e árvores de repouso em Lower Dir, Paquistão. Os morcegos foram capturados de Morus alba, Morus nigra, Broussonetia papyrifera, Pinus roxburghii, Hevea brasiliensis, Platanus orientalis, Populus nigra, Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis e Grevillea robusta por meio de estilingues e redes. Doze morcegos foram estudados quanto às características morfológicas diferenciais com base na idade e no sexo. Os morcegos machos apresentaram maior peso do que as fêmeas. As variações foram encontradas em massa corporal (821,1 ± 34,65 g), circunferência do corpo com asas (25,43 ± 0,39 cm), envergadura (112,58 ± 1,90 cm), comprimento do corpo (20,73 ± 0,68 cm), comprimento do focinho (3,42 ± 0,04 cm), comprimento do olho (1,45 ± 0,033 cm), comprimento da orelha (3,56 ± 0,05 cm), largura da orelha (2,46 ± 0,04 cm), comprimento entre as orelhas (5,51 ± 0,11 cm), circunferência do pescoço (12,23 ± 0,24 cm), circunferência do corpo sem asas (18,68 ± 0,31 cm), comprimento da asa da pata dianteira (23,2 ± 1,03 cm), comprimento do polegar (5,43 ± 0,1 cm), comprimento da unha (1,89 ± 0,05 cm), comprimento da asa até a ponta do dedo (29,1 ± 0,51 cm), largura máxima da asa (21,03 ± 0,68 cm), comprimento entre a ponta da asa e o quinto dedo (29,39 ± 0,30 cm), comprimento entre o quinto dedo e a pata (22,97 ± 1,09 cm), comprimento entre as patas (18,31 ± 0,74 cm) e comprimento da garra da pata (4,23 ± 0,05 cm). Este estudo foi desenvolvido para análise de variações morfológicas externas de P. medius (raposa-voadora indiana) e pode auxiliar na identificação desses morcegos e seus locais de nidificação.

Morphology and ectoparasite spectrum of Pteropus vampyrus (the flying fox) in different parts of Malakand Division, Pakistan / Morfologia e espectro ectoparasitário de Pteropus vampyrus (raposa voadora) em diferentes partes da divisão de Malakand, Paquistão

Abstract Three districts viz. Lower Dir, Swat and Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, were surveyed for the collection of Pteropus vampyrus (the Indian flying fox) in Malakand division, the north western region of Pakistan from February to November 2018. A total of 35 specimens were captured. Out of the examined specimens 22 were found to be infected with ectoparasites. Three types of ectoparasites were observed including flies 20% (n=7/35), mites 28.5% (n=10/35) and bugs 14.2% (n=5/35). Male bats were more infected 57.1% (n=20/35) as compared to females 42.8% (n=15/35), however, no significant difference (p>0.05) was noted. Flies were recovered from wings membrane and head region, mites were found on wings, ears and around eyes while bugs were found attached on body surface and neck region. Body weight, circumference and wing span of male bats were greater as compared to female bats and were considered a key factor in clear cut identification of male and female Pteropus vampyrus (the Indian flyingfox). It was concluded that Pteropus vampyrus from north western part of Pakistan were parasitized by a varied parasite fauna with high infestation rates. We assume that in male bats the number of parasites is generally higher than in females. Our results revealed new insights into parasite fauna of Pteropus vampyrus.

Resumo Três distritos, Lower Dir, Swat e Shangla, em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, foram pesquisados para a recolha de Pteropus vampyrus (raposa voadora indiana) na divisão de Malakand, região noroeste do Paquistão, de fevereiro a novembro de 2018. Foram capturados 35 espécimes, dos quais 22 foram infectados com ectoparasitas. Três tipos de ectoparasitas foram observados: moscas (20%; n = 7/35), ácaros (28,5%; n = 10/35) e insetos (14,2%; n = 5/35). Os morcegos machos foram mais infectados (57,1%; n = 20/35) do que as fêmeas (42,8%; n = 15/35); porém, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada (p > 0,05). As moscas foram recuperadas da membrana das asas e da região da cabeça; já os ácaros foram encontrados nas asas, nas orelhas e ao redor dos olhos; por sua vez, os insetos foram encontrados na superfície do corpo e na região do pescoço. O peso corporal, a circunferência e a envergadura dos morcegos machos foram maiores em comparação aos morcegos fêmeas e foram considerados um fator-chave na identificação dos machos e das fêmeas Pteropus vampyrus (raposa voadora indiana). Conclui-se que os Pteropus vampyrus da parte noroeste do Paquistão foram parasitados por uma fauna variada de parasitas com altas taxas de infestação. Assume-se que, em morcegos machos, o número de parasitas é geralmente maior que em fêmeas. Os resultados deste estudo revelaram novos insights sobre a fauna parasita de Pteropus vampyrus.

Reports of new wing color polymorphism and taxonomic information to cercopids (Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae) from upland rice crop, Pará State, Brazil / Registro de novos polimorfismos de cores de asas e informações taxonômicas para cercopídeos (Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae) com potencial importância econômica na cultura de arroz de terras altas, Estado do Pará, Brasil

Abstract Cercopidae is one of the largest families of the spittlebug superfamily Cercopoidea. Most spittlebugs species are characterized by bright color patterns. Thus, this study evaluated for the first time the Cercopidae species collected in rice crops, Novo Progresso, Pará state, Brazil. Insects were collected weekly between November/2010 and March/2011 from areas without (WA) and with agrochemical applications (AA). Four species were recorded: Deois incompleta (Walker, 1851) (71 specimens in WA area and 50 in AA area); Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (39 specimens in WA area and 39 in AA area); Mahanarava tristis (Fabricius, 1803) (26 specimens in WA area and 20 in AA area); Zulia pubescens (Fabricius, 1803) (11 specimens in WA area and four in AA area). The species collected displayed pronounced color polymorphism when compared with the color patterns of the same species from other regions. This makes correct identification more difficult for these species. Therefore, taxonomic and diagnostic informations provided in this study will help in the correct identification, control and monitoring of these insects in future studies. Besides that, we recommend monitoring in rice fields and further study of the biology and ecology of cercopids in Brazil to assess the potential of these species as rice pests.

Resumo Cercopidae é uma das maiores famílias de cigarrinhas dentro da superfamília Cercopoidea. A maioria das espécies de cigarrinhas é caracterizada pelos padrões de cores brilhantes. Deste modo, este estudo avaliou pela primeira vez, as espécies de Cercopidae coletados em cultura de arroz, Novo Progresso, Pará, Brasil. Os insetos foram coletados semanalmente entre novembro/2010 e março/2011 em áreas de arroz de terras altas sem (SA) e com aplicações de agroquímicos (CA). Quatro espécies foram registradas: Deois incompleta (Walker, 1851) (71 espécimes na área SA e 50 na área CA); Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (39 exemplares na área SA e 39 na área CA); Mahanarava tristis (Fabricius, 1803) (26 espécimes na área SA e 20 na área CA); Zulia pubescens (Fabricius, 1803) (11 espécimes na área SA e quatro na área CA). As espécies coletadas exibiram um polimorfismo de cor pronunciado quando comparadas com os padrões de cores das mesmas espécies de outras regiões. Isso torna mais difícil a identificação correta dessas espécies. Portanto, as informações taxonômicas e de diagnóstico fornecidas neste estudo ajudarão na identificação, controle e monitoramento desses insetos em estudos futuros. Além disso, recomendamos o monitoramento em campos de arroz e estudos posteriores de biologia e ecologia de cercopídeos no Brasil para avaliar o potencial dessas espécies como pragas de arroz.

Population dynamics of Aphis gossypii Glover and in sole and intercropping systems of cotton and cowpea

ABSTRACT Population dynamics of aphids have been studied in sole and intercropping systems. These studies have required the use of more precise analytical tools in order to better understand patterns in quantitative data. Mathematical models are among the most important tools to explain the dynamics of insect populations. This study investigated the population dynamics of aphids Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora over time, using mathematical models composed of a set of differential equations as a helpful analytical tool to understand the population dynamics of aphids in arrangements of cotton and cowpea. The treatments were sole cotton, sole cowpea, and three arrangements of cotton intercropped with cowpea (t1, t2 and t3). The plants were infested with two aphid species and were evaluated at 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days after the infestations. Mathematical models were used to fit the population dynamics of two aphid species. There were good fits for aphid dynamics by mathematical model over time. The highest population peak of both species A. gossypii and A. craccivora was found in the sole crops, and the lowest population peak was found in crop system t2. These results are important for integrated management programs of aphids in cotton and cowpea.

Anopheles darlingi Root 1926 (Diptera: Culicidae): variaciones morfométricas en alas y patas de poblaciones de Colombia / Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) Rood 1926: Morphometric variations in wings and legs of populations from Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Las poblaciones naturales de Anopheles darlingi, principal transmisor de la malaria en Colombia, han mostrado plasticidad fenotípica en algunos de sus caracteres diagnósticos. Objetivo. Caracterizar las variaciones morfométricas de los patrones alares y de la pata posterior en poblaciones naturales de An. darlingi recolectados en localidades colombianas donde la malaria es endémica. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron los patrones de manchas de la vena costal del ala de hembras silvestres recolectadas en los departamentos de Chocó, Guaviare, Meta y Vichada mediante morfometría lineal y geométrica. El segundo tarsómero posterior de las hembras se analizó mediante morfometría lineal. Resultados. Se encontraron 19 patrones de manchas de la vena costal. Los patrones I, con 49 % (n=118/240) y VI, con 28 % (n=66), fueron los más frecuentes. La proporción del área oscura basal (DS-III2 ) y del tarsómero posterior (Ta-III2 ) constituyó una característica sólida de diagnóstico, pues representó el 89 % (n=213/240) del total de especímenes analizados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la forma (F=1,65; gl=50; p<0,001) y el tamaño (F=3,37; gl=5; p=0,005) del ala entre las poblaciones de diferentes localidades. El centroide de menor tamaño (2,64 mm) se encontró en las poblaciones de Chocó. Conclusiones. Se registraron 11 patrones nuevos para las manchas de la vena costal y se confirmó la dominancia de los patrones alares I y VI en las poblaciones de An. darlingi de Colombia, así como la relación de DS-III2 y Ta-III2 como un rasgo sólido de diagnóstico para la taxonomía de la especie. Se encontraron diferencias en el tamaño corporal de las poblaciones evaluadas, lo cual reviste importancia para el análisis de aspectos bionómicos de la especie.

Abstract Introduction: Natural populations of Anopheles darlingi, the main malaria vector in Colombia, have shown phenotypic variations in some of their diagnostic characters. Objective: To characterize morphometric variations in wing spot patterns and diagnostic characters of the hind leg of adult females of An. darlingi collected in areas where malaria is endemic. Materials and methods: Patterns of the costal vein spots of wild females of An. darling populations collected in the departments of Chocó, Guaviare, Meta and Vichada were analyzed using linear and morphometric approaches. The second tarsomere of the hind leg of females was characterized by linear morphometric analysis. Results: We found 19 patterns of spots in the costal vein; patterns I (n=118/240, 49%) and VI (n=66, 28%) were the most frequent. The proportion of the basal dark area of hind tarsomere II and the length of hind tarsomere II (DSIII2 /Ta-III2) constituted a robust diagnostic character as it represented 89% (n=213/240) of the total specimens studied. Significant differences were found in the wing shape (F=1.65, df =50, p<0.001) and the wing size (F=3.37, df=5, p=0.005) among populations from different locations. The smallest centroid size (2.64 mm) was found in populations from Chocó. Conclusions. We registered 11 new wing spot patterns in the costal vein and the dominance of the patterns I and VI for populations of An. darlingi from Colombia. We confirmed DSIII2/TaIII2 ratio as a robust diagnostic character for the taxonomy of this species. We found differences between the size and shape of the wings of An. darlingi populations in accordance to their geographical distribution, which constitute important bionomic aspects for this malaria vector.

Análise da estrutura populacional de mosquitos Culex quinquefasciatus e Culex nigripalpus (Diptera: Culicidae) utilizando marcadores de microssatélites e análise de morfometria geométrica alar / Analysis of the population structure of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex nigripalpus (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes using microsatelllite markers and morphometric geometric analysis of the wing

Introdução: Parques inseridos na malha urbana de grandes metrópoles possuem potencial para manter o ciclo biológico de diversas espécies vetoras de patógenos, como as espécies Culex quinquefasciatus e Culex nigripalpus. Consideradas antropofílicas, essas espécies têm importância epidemiológica e são abundantemente encontradas na cidade de São Paulo. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre as características genéticas dessas espécies em escala microgeográfica. Visando o melhor entendimento sobre a estrutura populacional dessas espécies, foi analisado os padrões da forma alar e a caracterização genética por marcadores de microssatélites, afim de se obter informações que contribuam para o entendimento da situação populacional desses vetores dentro do município. Objetivos: (1) Analisar a variabilidade da forma alar nas populações de Cx. quinquefasciatus e Cx. nigripalpus; (2) Analisar a variabilidade genética e o fluxo gênico nas mesmas populações; (3) Testar a funcionabilidade de primers desenvolvidos para regiões de microssatélites nas populações de Cx. nigripalpus. Material e Métodos: No total, foram estudadas cinco populações de Cx. quinquefasciatus e sete populações de Cx. nigripalpus, coletados em parques urbanos da cidade de São Paulo. Análises discriminantes, como variável canônica, teste de reclassificação cruzada e dendrograma de Neighbor-joining, utilizando os software Morpho J e Past, foram realizadas para a compreensão do formato e tamanho da asa direita nas populações. Em relação ao estudo da estruturação genética, foram testados 12 pares de primers de microssatélites em mosquitos Cx. quinquefasciatus e 33 pares de primers em mosquitos Cx. nigripalpus. Resultados: Análise da morfometria geométrica alar nas populações de Cx. quinquefasciatus demonstrou homogeneidade nos formatos alares, sendo um caracter preservado nessa espécie pela cidade, contudo, há tênues diferenças na população coletada em ambiente mais silvestre. O mesmo foi observado para as populações de Cx. nigripalpus, onde foi possível visualizar uma subestruturação na forma alar dentro da população Shangrilá. Dos primers testados, 12 amplificaram de forma consistente em todas as populações de Cx. quinquefasciatus e seis primers nas populações de Cx. nigripalpus. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que ambas as espécies possuem baixa estruturação genética, com fluxo gênico moderado entre as populações de Cx. quinquefasciatus e baixo entre as de Cx. nigripalpus, apresentando alto índice de heterozigosidade, onde as únicas populações que estão em expansão são as que foram coletadas em ambientes onde a urbanização está avançando. Discussão: Processos de urbanização, somados às mudanças causadas no ambiente, beneficiam e tendem a elevar a abundância dessas espécies em ambientes antropizados. A baixa estruturação genética e morfométrica das asas dessas espécies indicam a adaptação delas na cidade, havendo segregação devido à heterogeneidade do ambiente em que as populações se encontram. Conclusão: Evidências de baixa estruturação entre as populações e indícios de expansão em populações de ambientes mais silvestres indicam que essas espécies estão atreladas ao processo de urbanização da cidade de São Paulo

Introduction: Urban parks have the potential to harbor and maintain the life cycle of several mosquitoes such as Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex nigripalpus, both are anthropophilic species with epidemiological importance and very abundant in São Paulo city. However, their genetics characteristics are poorly know. Aiming the better understanding of the population structure of these species in microregion, was evaluated the wing shape variation and selected microsatellite loci. In this way, the information obtained can contribute to the understanding of the population situation of these vectors in São Paulo city. Objectives: (1) To evaluate the wing shape variability in populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx.nigripalpus; (2) To evaluate the genetic variability and gene flow in the Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx.nigripalpus populations (3) Test microsatellite markers functionality parameters in Cx. nigripalpus, previously used successfully in other Culex species. Material and Methods: Were studied, five populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus and seven population of Cx. nigripalpus collected in urban parks in São Paulo city. Discriminant analysis was made to evaluate the wing shape patterns, such as Canonical variate analysis, cross validated test and Neghbor-joninin dendrogram using Morpho J and Past softwares, were perfomed to understand the size and shape of the right wing in these populations. For the study of genetic structuring, there were tested 12 pairs of microsatellite loci in Cx. quinquefasciatus samples and 33 pairs of microsatellite loci in Cx. nigripalpus samples. Results: The wing shape patterns in Cx. quinquefasciatus population were homogeneous, showing a preserved character in this population, however, has been tenuous differences in the more sylvatic population. The same pattern was observed in Cx. nigripalpus populations and was observed substructuring in the Shangrilá population. From the tested primers, 12 were functional and amplified consistently in the all five Cx. quinquefasciatus population and for Cx. nigripalpus, six primers were amplified. The results suggest both species having low genetic structure, moderate gene flow and the only populations which are expading were collected in areas that the urbanization is increasing. Discussion: Urbanization processes added to the environmental changes benefit and tend to raise the abundance of these species in anthropized locals. The low genetic structure and alar morphometry indicates the adaptation of these species in São Paulo city, there being segregated due to the environment heterogeneity which the population inhabit. Conclusion: Evidence of low structure between populations studied and signs of expansion in populations of more sylvatic environments indicate that these species are linked to urbanization process

Análise da estrutura populacional de mosquitos Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) em diferentes estratos urbanos na cidade de São Paulo, utilizando morfometria geométrica alar e marcadores microssatélites / Analysis of the population structure of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in different urban strata in the city of São Paulo, using wing geometric morphometry and microsatellite markers

O mosquito Aedes aegypti é reconhecido como o principal vetor do vírus da Dengue, além de transmitir outros arbovírus de importância médica, como os causadores da Febre Amarela urbana, Chikungunya e Zika. A ecologia deste vetor está intimamente associada ao homem, sendo provavelmente, a única espécie de culicídeo a conseguir completar todo seu ciclo de vida dentro das habitações humanas, com sua dinâmica populacional fortemente relacionada aos processos decorrente da urbanização. Assim como outras metrópoles, a cidade de São Paulo apresenta estresse ambiental, em função da elevada densidade populacional e urbanização não planejada, o que contribui para a proliferação do Ae. aegypti e, consequentemente, o aumento no número de casos de Dengue. Embora, vacinas como a da Febre Amarela e Dengue já tenham sido desenvolvidas, esta última mais recentemente e, ainda não empregada em larga escala, o controle do vetor ainda permanece como a principal estratégia para a disruptura dos padrões epidemiológicos das arboviroses causadas por seus patógenos. Estruturação populacional, geralmente é um resultado de combinações decorrentes de processos históricos e contemporâneos envolvendo determinada espécie, como a sua capacidade de dispersão, padrões de cópula, barreiras físicas e ambientais, além de padrões demográficos. Desse modo, determinar os diferentes papéis destes processos na estruturação de populações torna-se útil no controle de vetores de importância médica. Um bom exemplo é a propagação da resistência a inseticidas, em decorrência do fluxo gênico entre as populações. Portanto, um melhor conhecimento da estruturação populacional do Ae. aegypti é crucial para auxílio e desenvolvimento de novas estratégias de controle. Dessa forma, visando elucidar seu padrão de estruturação, o presente estudo utilizou-se da morfometria geométrica alar e de marcadores microssatélites, para investigação de 11 populações de mosquitos Ae. aegypti coletados em áreas com diferentes graus de urbanização, localizadas no município de São Paulo. Os resultados encontrados sugerem um padrão de estruturação de acordo com o gradiente de urbanização no qual os espécimes foram coletados. As distâncias de Mahalanobis, obtidas pela morfometria geométrica alar, apresentaram significância estatística em 54 dos 55 testes conduzidos, com as populações exibindo um claro padrão de segregação nas Análises de Variáveis Canônicas e Neighbor-Joining, tanto para as populações agrupadas na forma de seus estratos urbanos, como por seus respectivos locais de coleta, enquanto que o teste de reclassificação dos espécimes alcançou relativo grau de precisão de reconhecimento. Os microssatélites indicaram uma baixa estruturação genética (Fst = 0,057), com 93 por cento de seus valores apresentando significância estatística. Contudo, em conformidade com o gradiente de urbanização dos estratos, com moderado fluxo gênico, déficit de heterozigosidade e indícios de expansão populacional, principalmente nas áreas com maior grau de urbanização. A intensificação dos processos decorrentes da urbanização tem como causa a diminuição dos espaços verdes encontrados nas cidades, de modo a contribuir para a elevação da temperatura e, consequentemente, favorecer a proliferação do Ae. aegypti. Adicionalmente, a perda destes espaços implica no processo de homogeneização biótica, fenômeno que atua como adjuvante a plasticidade ecológica do vetor, de maneira a beneficia-lo. Hipótese, corroborada pela sua expansão populacional, exibida principalmente nos ambientes mais antropizados. A estruturação observada nas populações de Ae. aegypti no presente estudo indica que os processos de urbanização desempenham um importante papel na sua conformação, e fatores como o moderado fluxo gênico e déficit de heterozigosidade podem estar refletindo nos seus padrões epidemiológicos

Aedes aegypti is recognized as the main vector of Dengue, in addition to transmit other arboviruses of medical importance, as the agents of Yellow Fever, Chikungunya and Zika. The ecology of this vector is closely associated with the human, being probably the only kind of mosquito to be able to complete all their life cycle inside the human habitations, with their population dynamics strongly related to processes arising from urbanization. Like other cities, the city of São Paulo suffers from environmental stress due to the high population density and unplanned urbanization, which contributes to the proliferation of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and consequently the increase in the number of cases of dengue fever. Although vaccines such as Yellow Fever and Dengue have already been developed, the latter, more recently, and not yet used on a large scale, vector control remains the main strategy for the disruption of epidemiological patterns of arboviral diseases caused by their pathogens. Structure of the population, is generally the result of combinations resulting from historical and contemporary processes involving certain species, such as their ability to disperse, copulation pattern, physical and environmental barriers and demographic trends, and to determine the different roles of these processes in structuring the population becomes very useful for the medical importance of vector control. A good example is the spread of insecticide resistance, due to gene flow between populations. Therefore, a better understanding of the population structure of Ae. Aegypti is crucial to support and develop new strategies for control programs. Thus, in order to elucidate its pattern of structuring this study utilized wing geometric morphometric and microsatellite markers, for investigation of 11 Ae. aegypti populations collected in areas with different degrees of urbanization, located in the municipality of São Paulo. The results suggest a pattern of structuring according to the urbanization gradient in which the specimens were collected. The distances of Mahalanobis obtained by wing geometric morphometry, statistically significant in 54 of the 55 tests performed, with populations showing a clear trend of segregation in the Canonical Variables analysis and Neighbor-Joining, both for the populations grouped in the form of their urban strata as per their respective collection locations, while the reclassification of test specimens reached relative degree of recognition accuracy. Microsatellites indicated a low genetic structure (Fst = 0.057), with 93 per cent of their statistically significant values. However, in accordance with the gradient of urbanization of the strata, with moderate gene flow, heterozygosity and evidence of population expansion, especially in the areas with the highest degree of urbanization. The intensification of the processes resulting from urbanization Implies in the reduction of the green spaces found in the cities, in order to contribute to the increase of the temperature and thus the proliferation of the Ae. Aegypti. In addition, the loss of these spaces involves biotic homogenization process, a phenomenon that acts as an adjuvant ecological plasticity of the vector, in order to benefit it. Hypothesis, corroborated by its population expansion, displayed mainly in anthropic environments. The structure observed in populations of Ae. aegypti in this study indicates that the urbanization processes play an important role in their conformation, and factors such as moderate gene flow and deficit of heterozygosity can be reflected in their epidemiological patterns

Morphology of the axial skeleton of seven bat genera (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

ABSTRACT Here we present detailed descriptions and comparisons of the axial skeleton of seven species of bats belonging to five subfamilies of Phyllostomidae of different trophic guilds. The material examined consisted of 34 complete skeletons of seven species. For five of the studied species, previous descriptions have not been conducted, and for the vampires only limited information is available, so that descriptions for these species are here completed. The axial skeleton has characters that allow grouping of the species phylogenetically of the same subfamily and by feeding habits. At the same time, there are characters that associate species from different subfamilies with different types of diet or ways to obtain food.

Morphometric differences and fluctuating asymmetry in Melipona subnitida Ducke 1910 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in different types of housing / Diferenças morfométricas e assimetria flutuante em Melipona subnitida Ducke 1910 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) em diferentes tipos de habitação

Abstract A geometric morphometrics approach was applied to evaluate differences in forewing patterns of the Jandaira bee (Melipona subnitida Ducke). For this, we studied the presence of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in forewing shape and size of colonies kept in either rational hive boxes or natural tree trunks. We detected significant FA for wing size as well as wing shape independent of the type of housing (rational box or tree trunks), indicating the overall presence of stress during the development of the studied specimens. FA was also significant (p < 0.01) between rational boxes, possibly related to the use of various models of rational boxes used for keeping stingless bees. In addition, a Principal Component Analysis indicated morphometric variation between bee colonies kept in either rational hive boxes or in tree trunks, that may be related to the different origins of the bees: tree trunk colonies were relocated natural colonies while rational box colonies originated from multiplying other colonies. We conclude that adequate measures should be taken to reduce the amount of stress during bee handling by using standard models of rational boxes that cause the least disruption.

Resumo A abordagem da morfometria geométrica foi aplicada para avaliar as diferenças nos padrões das asas anteriores da abelha Jandaíra (Melipona subnitida Ducke). Para isso, estudou-se a presença de assimetria flutuante (AF) na forma das asas anteriores e tamanho das colônias mantidas tanto em caixas de colméia racional ou troncos de árvores naturais. Foi detectado AF significativa para o tamanho da asa, bem como a forma da asa independente do tipo de habitação (caixa racional ou cortiço), indicando a presença global de estresse durante o desenvolvimento dos espécimes estudados. AF também foi significativa (p < 0,01) entre as caixas racionais, possivelmente relacionados com a utilização de vários modelos de caixas racionais utilizados para a conservação de abelhas sem ferrão. Além disso, a Análise de Componentes Principais indicou variações morfométricas entre as colônias de abelhas mantidos em caixas racionais ou em cortiços, que podem estar relacionados com as diferentes origens das abelhas: os cortiços foram colônias naturais realocados, enquanto as colônias das caixas racionais foram originadas da multiplicação outras colônias. Conclui-se que devem ser tomadas medidas adequadas para reduzir a quantidade de estresse durante o manuseio abelha usando modelos padrão de caixas racionais que causam a menor perturbação.

Can body traits, other than wings, reflect the flight ability of Triatominae bugs?

Abstract: INTRODUCTION : Insects of the subfamily Triatominae are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi , the Chagas disease parasite, and their flying behavior has epidemiological importance. The flying capacity is strikingly different across and within Triatominae species, as well as between sexes or individuals. Many Triatoma infestans individuals have wings but no flying muscles. In other Triatominae species, no clear relationships were found between wing length and flying behavior. If wing presence or size is not reflective of the flying behavior, which other parts of the body could be considered as reliable markers of this important function? METHODS : The genus Mepraia has exceptional characteristics with invariably wingless females and wingless or winged males. We calculated the porous surface exposed to odorant molecules to estimate the olfactory capacity of Mepraia spinolai . The head shape and thorax size were estimated using the geometric morphometric approach and traditional morphometric techniques, respectively. RESULTS : Alary polymorphism in M. spinolai was significantly associated with consistent modification of the thorax size, head shape, and notable change in the estimated olfactory capacity. The macropterous individuals had a larger olfactory surface and thorax size and significantly different head shape compared to those of the micropterous individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that these structural changes could be associated with the flying potential of Triatominae. Thus, morphological attributes not found on wings could help determine the likely flying potential of the bugs.

Fluctuating asymmetry in Apis mellifera(Hymenoptera: Apidae) as bioindicator of anthropogenic environments / Asimetría fluctuante en Apis mellifera (Hymenop-tera: Apidae) como bioindicador de ambientes antropo-génicos

The successful distribution of A. melliferais due to their ability to adjust to seasonal variations, considerable control over their internal physical environment and exploration of different resources. However, their populations have experienced different forms and levels of environmental pressure. This research aimed to verify the phenotypic plasticity in both size and shape of wings in A. melliferausing fluctuating asymmetry, based on geometric morphometrics from apiaries located in sites with high and low levels of anthropization. We sampled 16 locations throughout all five geographic regions of Brazil. At each site, samples were collected from 20 beehives installed in apiaries: 10 installed near high anthropogenic environments (Cassilàndia - MS, Fortaleza - CE, Maringá - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Riachuelo - SE, Ubirata - PR and Piracicaba - SP), and 10 in sites with low levels of human disturbance (Cassilàndia - MS, Itapiúna CE, Uniao da Vitoria - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Pacatuba - SE, Erval Seco - RS, Rio Claro - SP). A sample of 10 individuals was taken in each hive, totaling 200 per location, for a total of 1 600 individuals. We used fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in size and shape of the forewing through geometric morphometrics. The FA analysis was conducted in order to check bilateral differences. The indexes of size and shape were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), where the characters evaluated were used as factors to verify the size and shape differences. The results indicated an asymmetry on the shape of the wing (P < 0.001) but no asymmetry was observed on wing size. Considering FA as an environmental response and high and low impacted areas as a fixed factor, we observed significant differences (P < 0.05). The results for the wing shape in A. melliferademonstrated that this feature undergoes more variation during ontogeny compared to the variation in size. We concluded that bee samples collected from colonies with higher levels of human disturbance had higher wing-shape asymmetry; the variation of fluctuating asymmetry in the wing shape of honeybees can be used as an indicator of the degree of environmental anthropization.

La distribución exitosa de A. melliferase debe a su capacidad para adaptarse a las variaciones estacionales, controlar considerablemente su ambiente físico interno y por la exploración de recursos. Sin embargo, sus poblaciones experimentan diferentes formas y niveles de presión ambiental. Esta investigación evaluó colmenares, ubicadas en entornos con distintos niveles de antropización. Ambientes considerados altamente antropogénicos fueron escogidos: áreas urbanas, agrícolas con aplicaciones de insecticidas, y las industrias con grandes áreas (regiones con altos índices de contaminación). Por otra parte, los entornos considerados con bajos niveles de perturbación humana fueron elegidos: áreas de preservación permanente de los bosques restantes (Mata Atlántica, Planalto, Cerrado), áreas ribereñas o reservas ecológicas. Se muestrearon 16 localidades que abarcan las cinco regiones del Brasil. Estamos utilizando la asimetría fluctuante desde el tamaño y la forma del ala anterior por técnicas de morfometría geométrica. En cada sitio, las muestras se obtuvieron de las 20 colmenas instaladas en los colmenares: 10 instalados cerca de entornos altamente antropogénicos (Cassilándia - MS, Fortaleza - CE, Maringá - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Riachuelo - SE, Ubirata - PR y Piracicaba - SP) y 10 en sitios de bajo nivel de perturbación humana (Cassilándia - MS, ItapiúnaCE, Uniao da Vitória - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Pacatuba- SE, Erval Seco - RS, Rio Claro - SP). Los índices de tamaño y forma fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza (ANOVA), donde se utilizaron los caracteres evaluados como factores, para verificar las diferencias de tamaño y forma. La asimetría de análisis fluctuante (AF) se llevó a cabo con el fin de comprobar las diferencias bilaterales. Los resultados indican la existencia de la asimetría de la forma del ala (P < 0.001), pero no se observó asimetría del tamaño del ala. Considerando AF como respuesta ambiental y áreas de alto y bajo grado de alteración humana como factor fijo, observamos diferencias significativas (P < 0.05). Los resultados, para la forma de ala de la A. mellifera,muestran que esta característica se somete a más variación durante la ontogenia en comparación con la variación en el tamaño. Llegamos a la conclusión de que las colonias de abejas recogidas en ambientes con niveles más altos de la perturbación humana tienen una mayor asimetría en forma de ala, por lo que la asimetría fluctuante en forma de alas de las abejas puede ser utilizada como un indicador del grado de antropización del medio ambiente.

Where do these bugs come from? Phenotypic structure of Triatoma infestans populations after control interventions in the Argentine Chaco

House re-invasion by native triatomines after insecticide-based control campaigns represents a major threat for Chagas disease vector control. We conducted a longitudinal intervention study in a rural section (Area III, 407 houses) of Pampa del Indio, northeastern Argentina, and used wing geometric morphometry to compare pre-spray and post-spray (re-infestant bugs) Triatoma infestans populations. The community-wide spraying with pyrethroids reduced the prevalence of house infestation by T. infestans from 31.9% to < 1% during a four-year follow-up, unlike our previous studies in the neighbouring Area I. Two groups of bug collection sites differing in wing shape variables before interventions (including 221 adults from 11 domiciles) were used as a reference for assigning 44 post-spray adults. Wing shape variables from post-spray, high-density bug colonies and pre-spray groups were significantly different, suggesting that re-infestant insects had an external origin. Insects from one house differed strongly in wing shape variables from all other specimens. A further comparison between insects from both areas supported the existence of independent re-infestation processes within the same district. These results point to local heterogeneities in house re-infestation dynamics and emphasise the need to expand the geographic coverage of vector surveillance and control operations to the affected region.

Dynamic Stabilization of the Scapula for Serratus Anterior Dysfunction: A Retrospective Study of Functional Outcome and Results

BACKGROUND: Twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female) with symptomatic scapular winging caused by serratus anterior dysfunction were managed by split pectoralis major tendon transfer (sternal head) with autogenous hamstring tendon augmentation from 1998 to 2006. METHODS: Twenty-five patients showed positive results upon long thoracic nerve palsy on electromyography. The mean duration of symptoms until surgery was 48 months (range, 12-120 months). Four patients had non-traumatic etiologies and 22 patients had traumatic etiologies. On follow-up assessment for functional improvement, a Constant-Murley score was used. Twenty-one patients were completely evaluated, while five patients who had less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved in 19 of the 21 patients, with 20 patients showing functional improvement. The pain scores improved from 6.0 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation improved from 108degrees (range, 20degrees-165degrees) preoperatively to 151degrees (range, 125degrees-170degrees) postoperatively. The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 57.7 (range, 21-86) preoperatively to 86.9 (range, 42-98) postoperatively. A recurrence developed in one patient. Of the 21 patients, ten had excellent results, six had good results, four had fair results, and one had poor results. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with severe symptomatic scapular winging showed functional improvement and pain relief with resolution of scapular winging.

The homeodomain of Eyeless regulates cell growth and antagonizes the paired domain-dependent retinal differentiation function

Pax6 and its Drosophila homolog Eyeless (Ey) play essential roles during eye development. Ey/Pax6 contains two distinct DNA binding domains, a Paired domain (PD) and a Homeodomain (HD). While Ey/Pax6 PD is required for the expression of key regulators of retinal development, relatively little is known about the HD-dependent Ey function. In this study, we used the UAS/GAL4 system to determine the functions of different Ey domains on cell growth and on retinal development. We showed that Ey can promote cell growth, which requires the HD but not the PD. In contrast, the ability of Ey to activate Ato expression and induce ectopic eye formation requires the PD but not the HD. Interestingly, deletion of the HD enhanced Ey-dependent ectopic eye induction while overexpression of the HD only Ey forms antagonizes ectopic eye induction. These studies revealed a novel function of Ey HD on cell growth and a novel antagonistic effect of Ey HD on Ey PD-dependent eye induction. We further show the third helix of the Ey HD can directly interact with the RED subdomain in Ey PD and that deletion of the HD increased the binding of Ey PD to its target. These results suggest that the direct interaction between the HD and the PD potentially mediates their antagonistic effects. Since different Ey splicing forms are expressed in overlapping regions during normal development, we speculate that the expression ratios of the different Ey splice forms potentially contribute to the regulation of growth and differentiation of these tissues.

Evaluation of short-term ex vivo culture with air/liquid system of porcine cornea / 동물의과학연구지

Regarding therapies for treatment of corneal wounds, ex vivo corneal culture is the most effective for minimizing expensive animal studies. Eighteen porcine enucleated eyes were soaked in 0.2% povidone iodine solution for disinfection prior to cornea excision. Subsequently, corneas were excised from whole eyes and filled with an agar/medium mixture. Corneas were transferred into culture dishes, after which culture medium was added until the limbus was covered. Cultures were then placed onto a plate rocker to mimic blinking action, followed by incubation at 37degrees C and 5% CO2. Corneas were harvested on Days 0, 3, and 7 after incubation, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed on Day 7. Two eyes from each group were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde/4% paraformaldehyde for low vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM), and four eyes from each group were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for histological analysis. OCT results showed that central corneal thickness significantly increased by Day 7 compared to Day 0 (P<0.05). Using LV-SEM, gaps between endothelial cells were detected on Day 7 of ex vivo culture. In the histological evaluation, four to five stratified squamous cell layers, wing cells, and basal cells in the epithelium as well as flat-shaped keratocytes in the stroma were found on Day 0. By Day 7, stratified squamous cells and basal cells had decreased in number, and slightly round-shaped keratocytes were observed; however, the number of keratocytes was similar to that on Day 0. In this short-term ex vivo culture, epithelium and endothelium were sensitive to culture, whereas stroma and keratocytes were well maintained. An additional deswelling method will be needed to obtain more successful results in porcine corneal ex vivo culture.

Dynamic Stabilization of the Scapula for Serratus Anterior Dysfunction: A Retrospective Study of Functional Outcome and Results

BACKGROUND: Twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female) with symptomatic scapular winging caused by serratus anterior dysfunction were managed by split pectoralis major tendon transfer (sternal head) with autogenous hamstring tendon augmentation from 1998 to 2006. METHODS: Twenty-five patients showed positive results upon long thoracic nerve palsy on electromyography. The mean duration of symptoms until surgery was 48 months (range, 12-120 months). Four patients had non-traumatic etiologies and 22 patients had traumatic etiologies. On follow-up assessment for functional improvement, a Constant-Murley score was used. Twenty-one patients were completely evaluated, while five patients who had less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved in 19 of the 21 patients, with 20 patients showing functional improvement. The pain scores improved from 6.0 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation improved from 108degrees (range, 20degrees-165degrees) preoperatively to 151degrees (range, 125degrees-170degrees) postoperatively. The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 57.7 (range, 21-86) preoperatively to 86.9 (range, 42-98) postoperatively. A recurrence developed in one patient. Of the 21 patients, ten had excellent results, six had good results, four had fair results, and one had poor results. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with severe symptomatic scapular winging showed functional improvement and pain relief with resolution of scapular winging.

Caracterização de populações de Culex coronator (Diptera: Culicidae) e distinção de fêmeas adultas de Culex coronator e Culex usquatus por meio da análise da morfometria geométrica de asa e de sequências gênicas / Characterization of populations of Culex coronator (Diptera: Culicidae) and differentiation of adult females of Culex coronator and Culex usquatus using wing geometric morphometry and gene sequences

Culex coronator Dyar & Knab e Culex usquatus Dyar são duas espécies irmãs, que fazem parte do Complexo Coronator, composto por mais quatro espécies (Culex usquatissimos Dyar, Culex ousqua Dyar, Culex camposi Dyar, Culex covagarciai Forattini). As fêmeas deste grupo são indistinguíveis por caracteres morfológicos, sendo a identificação possível somente através da distribuição e tamanho das cerdas apicais que ornamentam o gonocoxito da genitália masculina. Cx. coronator, é a espécie com maior distribuição geográfica, ocupando as Américas do Norte, Central e Sul. Já Cx. usquatus só foi registrado nas Américas Central e do Sul, ocorrendo em simpatria no Brasil com Cx. coronator. Apesar da semelhança morfológica das fêmeas das duas espécies, até o momento, somente Cx. coronator foi encontrado naturalmente infectado por diversas arboviroses. Considerando que estudos populacionais são importantes para compreender a evolução e a dinâmica de populações de pontencias vetores, e que a correta identificação de fêmeas é fundamental para estudos de competência vetorial, os objetivos deste trabalho foram: (1) distinguir fêmeas adultas de Cx. coronator de Cx. usquatus (2) obter conhecimento da estrutura populacional de Culex coronator nas regiões Sul e Sudeste (3) examinar a possível existência de outras espécies não descritas e/ou incorretamente identificadas sob o epíteto de Cx. coronator. Para tanto foram utilizadas duas ferramentas: uma morfológica (morfometria de asa), e outra genética...

Culex coronator and Culex usquatus are sibling species belonging to Coronator Group, which comprises five other species (Culex usquatissimos Dyar, Culex ousqua Dyar, Culex camposi Dyar, Culex covagarciai Forattini). Except by Cx. yojae, the females of this group are indistinguishable, being the identification only possible by the analysis of the arrangement and number of appendicles on the apical lobe of the gonocoxite of the male genitalia. Cx. coronator is the most widely distributed species in the complex, occupying North, Central and South America, while Cx. usquatus was recorded only in Central and South America. Therefore, these species are sympatric in Brazil. Despite the morphological similarity of the females of both species, only Cx. coronator has epidemiological importance, being found infected with many arboviruses. Since studies focusing in population structure are important to understand the evolution and dynamics of potencial vectors and that the correct female identification is critical for development of vectorial competence studies, the aims of this study were to: (1) distinguish adult females of Cx. coronator from Cx. usquatus (2) obtain knowledge of the population structure of Culex coronator in Southern and Southeastern areas (3) examine the presence of undescribed and/or incorrectly identified species under Cx. coronator. Thereby, a survey was carried out using morphological (wing geometry) and genetic (4 microsatellite loci and barcode region...

An Efficient Microvascular Anastomosis Training Model Based on Chicken Wings and Simple Instruments

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to introduce a microvascular training model based on use of materials that can be easily obtained from the daily surroundings. METHODS: Simple microinstruments and a medical school laboratory microscope were used for anastomosis training. Chicken blood vessels were used as a material for this study. A long segment of blood vessel from the proximal brachial artery to the distal radial artery was used for training. End-to-side anastomosis was practiced first, and the training continued with end-to-end anastomosis of the appropriate segments. RESULTS: The instruments used for setting up this model were simple and easy to use; therefore, the time required for preparation of the materials and dissection of the chicken wings was only approximately five to ten minutes. The characteristics of 20 chicken wings were analyzed. The length of the brachial artery to the radial artery was 8 - 10 cm. The average diameter of the brachial artery was 1.3 mm +/- 0.2 mm and that of the radial artery was 1.0 mm +/- 0.2 mm. Taking advantage of these characteristics, the proximal brachial artery was grafted to the radial artery for practice of end-to-side anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an effective and feasible method for microvascular anastomosis training using chicken wing arteries and simple microinstruments. This model may simulate the conditions of a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis surgery.

Temporal variation of wing geometry in Aedes albopictus

Although native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, Aedes albopictus is now found on five continents, primarily due to its great capacity to adapt to different environments. This species is considered a secondary vector of dengue virus in several countries. Wing geometric morphometrics is widely used to furnish morphological markers for the characterisation and identification of species of medical importance and for the assessment of population dynamics. In this work, we investigated the metric differentiation of the wings of Ae. albopictus samples collected over a four-year period (2007-2010) in São Paulo, Brazil. Wing size significantly decreased during this period for both sexes and the wing shape also changed over time, with the wing shapes of males showing greater differences after 2008 and those of females differing more after 2009. Given that the wings play sex-specific roles, these findings suggest that the males and females could be affected by differential evolutionary pressures. Consistent with this hypothesis, a sexually dimorphic pattern was detected and quantified: the females were larger than the males (with respect to the mean) and had a distinct wing shape, regardless of allometric effects. In conclusion, wing alterations, particularly those involving shape, are a sensitive indicator of microevolutionary processes in this species.