A survey of Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 (Diptera: Muscidae) in eight administrative regions of Cameroon

ABSTRACT Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 are major livestock pests in the tropics and are common in diverse habitats. This study aims to conduct a survey on the Stomoxys fauna of Cameroon. From 2015 to 2017, entomological studies using standard traps (n=204) were conducted in eight administrative regions found in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Cameroon with 606 trap-points over 22,032 traps days. A total of 77,804 Stomoxys specimens were collected, with eight taxa consisting of six species (S. calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758), S. omega Newstead, Dutton & Todd, 1907, S. xanthomelas Roubaud, 1937, S. inornatus Grunberg, 1906, S. transvittatus Villeneuve, 1916, and S. sitiens (Rondani, 1873)) and two subspecies (Stomoxys niger niger Macquart, 1851 and S. niger bilineatus Grunberg, 1906) identified. Among all the recorded taxa, S. calcitrans and S. n. niger were present in five and seven of the eight regions respectively, but S. sitiens was rare and only found in the North. Furthermore, the highest species number (seven out of eight) was recorded in the Guinee savanna of the Adamawa region. The highest apparent density range of 101 to 200 Stomoxys/ trap/ day (s/t/d) was recorded in the Sudan savanna AEZ of the Far North region. Stomoxys occurred in all the AEZs in eight regions, some of which are major cattle rearing regions. This represents risk for the mechanically transmission of dangerous pathogens in those regions.

Morphological redescription of Simulium takahasii (Rubtsov), the first species of the subgenus Wilhelmia Enderlein (Diptera: Simuliidae) recognized in East Asia

@#Simulium takahasii (Rubtsov), which was originally described from Japan, and recorded from Korea and China, is the first among the 19 species of the subgenus Wilhelmia Enderlein recorded from East Asia. It is striking in mating, blood-feeding and ovipositing in captivity and in experimentally transmitting Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) and Brugia pahangi (Buckley & Edeson), and it is a severe biter of cattle and horses, rarely of humans. Nevertheless, updated information about its morphological characteristics was lacking, making comparisons with related species described from China difficult, since species of the subgenus Wilhelmia are almost indistinguishable from one another, in particular, in their female terminalia, male genitalia and most of larval features. In this study, as many morphological characteristics as possible of S. takahasii based on specimens from Japan are redescribed. New information about many features of this species including the length of the female sensory vesicle against the third palpal segment, number of male upper-eye (large) facets, arrangement of the eight pupal gill filaments, presence or absence of tiny dark setae on the dorsum of the larval abdomen and the number of rows and hooklets of the larval posterior circlet will be useful in evaluating the species status of several Wilhelmia species in China including the species regarded as S. takahasii.

Morphological and genetic analyses of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) okinawense Takaoka and S. (G.) tokarense Takaoka (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the Nansei Islands, Japan: redescription and transfer from the S. ceylonicum species-group to the S. asakoae species-group

@#Simulium (Gomphostilbia) okinawense Takaoka and S. (G.) tokarense Takaoka, both from the Nansei Islands, Japan, were morphologically reexamined and genetically analysed by using the COI gene sequences. The female, male, pupa and mature larva of the two species are redescribed. Morphological reexamination shows that both species are more similar to species in the S. asakoae species-group than to those in the S. ceylonicum species-group, by having a medium-long female sensory vesicle, yellow tuft hairs (S. (G.) okinawense) or yellow tuft hairs mixed with a few to several dark hairs (S. (G.) tokarense) at the base of the radial vein in the female and male, and medium-long larval postgenal cleft. However, the body of the male ventral plate (viewed ventrally) is parallel-sided (S. (G.) okinawense) or parallelsided or slightly narrowed (S. (G.) tokarense) and not emarginated basally, differing from those of most species in the S. asakoae species-group. Our genetic analysis shows that S. (G.) tokarense is in the S. asakoae species-group, and S. (G.) okinawense formed a separate sister clade with other members of the S. asakoae species-group with high bootstrap support. From the results of morphological and genetic analysis combined, S. (G.) okinawense and S. (G.) tokarense are transferred from the S. ceylonicum species-group to the S. asakoae species-group.

Research and application of model fruit fly in prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders by traditional Chinese medicine and natural compounds: a review / 中国中药杂志

As an important model animal, fruit fly is characterized by outstanding genetic characteristics, relatively perfect nervous system, rapid reproduction, and low cost. Thus, it has been applied in the research on neuropsychiatric disorders in recent years, showing great potential in life science. The incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders has been on the rise, and the disorders have high disability rate and low case fatality rate. The global drug demand for such diseases is second only to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. At the moment, the demand of the drugs for the diseases have been rising, and it is an urgent task to develop related drugs. However, the research and development of the drugs are time-intensive and have a high failure rate. A suitable animal model can help shorten the time for drug screening and development, thereby reducing the cost and failure rate. This study reviews the application of fruit flies in several common neuropsychiatric disorders, which is expected to provide new ideas for the research and application of the model animals in traditional Chinese medicine.

Miasis Genital. Presentación de un caso

Introducción: la miasis se define como la infestación de animales domésticos y salvajes, así como del hombre por estados larvarios de varias especies de dípteros que se alimentan de tejidos vivos o muertos o del alimento ingerido por el hospedero. Puede encontrarse en genitales, extremidades, cráneo, boca y párpados. Presentación de caso: se presenta el caso de un paciente, masculino de procedencia rural de 56 años de edad. Acude remitido de su área de salud por presentar varias ulceras a nivel del pene acompañado de aumento de volumen del mismo con secreciones fétidas, prurito y dolor. Se ingresa para estudio y tratamiento en sala. Se le diagnosticó miasis genital a nivel del glande. Tuvo una evolución satisfactoria en sala mediante curas locales y el tratamiento con antimicrobianos. Discusión: la miasis genital es poco común, probablemente por el aislamiento que ejerce la ropa al contacto con las moscas, sin embargo, la vestimenta corta predispone una mayor ovoposición en esta zona debido a una exposición más asequible, puede imitar lesiones inflamatorias o ulcerosas. De hecho, esta infestación parasitaria se ha asociado con determinadas enfermedades urogenitales de aspecto tumoral. Conclusiones: indiscutiblemente la inadecuada higiene de los genitales es un factor determinante en la aparición de la miasis.

Introduction: myiasis is defined as the infestation of domestic and wild animals, as well as man, by larval stages of various species of Diptera that feed on living or dead tissue or food ingested by the host. Genital myiasis is rare, of which there is little reference in the literature, specifically in the Caribbean. Case report: the case of a 56-year-old male patient of rural origin is presented. He was referred from his health area for presenting several ulcers on the penis accompanied by an increase in its volume with fetid secretions, itching and pain. He is admitted for study and treatment in the room. He was diagnosed with genital myiasis at the level of the glans. He had a satisfactory evolution in the room through local cures and treatment with antimicrobials. Discussion: genital myiasis is uncommon, probably due to the insulation exerted by clothing in contact with flies, however, short clothing predisposes a greater oviposition in this area due to more accessible exposure, it can mimic inflammatory or ulcerative lesions. In fact, this parasitic infestation has been associated with certain tumor-like urogenital diseases. Conclusions: unquestionably, inadequate genital hygiene is a determining factor in the appearance of myiasis.

Introdução: amiíase é definida como a infestação de animais domésticos e silvestres, assim como o homem, por fases larvais de várias espécies de Diptera que se alimentam de tecidos vivos ou mortos ou alimentos ingeridos pelo hospedeiro. Pode ser encontrado nos genitais, extremidades, crânio, boca e pálpebras. Apresentação do caso: apresenta-se o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 56 anos, de origem rural. Foi encaminhado de sua área de saúde por apresentar várias úlceras no pênis acompanhadas de aumento do seu volume com secreções fétidas, prurido e dor. Ele é admitido para estudo e tratamento na sala. Foi diagnosticado com miíase genital ao nível da glande. Teve evolução satisfatória na sala através de curas locais e tratamento com antimicrobianos. Discussão: amiíase genital é incomum, provavelmente devido ao isolamento exercido pelas roupas em contato com moscas, entretanto, roupas curtas predispõem uma maior oviposição nesta área devido à exposição mais acessível, podendo mimetizar lesões inflamatórias ou ulcerativas. De fato, essa infestação parasitária tem sido associada a certas doenças urogenitais semelhantes a tumores. Conclusões: inquestionavelmente, a higiene genital inadequada é um fator determinante no aparecimento da miíase.

Importancia de la tripanosomiasis africana para Cuba / Importance of African Trypanosomiasis for Cuba

Introducción: La tripanosomiasis africana humana es producida por protozoos del género Trypanosoma y transmitida fundamentalmente por la picadura de la mosca tse-tsé. En el último siglo ha habido varias epidemias en el África, pero dado que el número de nuevos casos notificados había disminuido, la hoja de ruta de la OMS para las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas fijó el objetivo de su eliminación como problema de salud pública para 2020. Muchos de los países donde Cuba presta colaboración internacionalista son endémicos, por lo que los colaboradores están expuestos al riesgo de padecer y enfrentar esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Realizar una actualización clínica y epidemiológica de la entidad para alertar sobre la posibilidad de la aparición en áreas endémicas y la presencia de casos importados en Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la base de datos Medline/PubMed y en artículos relevantes relacionados con el tema, de los últimos años; también hemos tomado como referencia las notas descriptivas de tripanosomiasis africana de la OMS en el 2020, así como textos clásicos de medicina interna y la plataforma búsqueda ClinicalKey. Información, análisis y síntesis: Se hizo una detallada exposición de la enfermedad y la conducta terapéutica; una breve reseña de los casos importados y del país de procedencia, además del peligro que presenta la aparición de casos importados para Cuba. Conclusiones: La enfermedad es una entidad potencialmente mortal, endémica en países donde existe colaboración cubana. Es necesario tener presente el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad para un abordaje terapéutico adecuado(AU)

Introduction: Human African trypanosomiasis is produced by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted mainly by the bite of the tsetse fly. There have been several epidemics in Africa in the last century, but as the number of new reported trypanosomiasis cases has decreased, the WHO roadmap for neglected tropical diseases had targeted their elimination as a public health problem by 2020. Many of the countries where Cuba provides internationalist collaboration are endemic, so the collaborators are exposed to the risk of suffering and facing this disease. Objectives: To carry out a clinical and epidemiological update of the entity and warn about the possibility of the appearance in endemic areas and the presence of imported cases in Cuba. Methods: a bibliographic review was carried out in the Medline / Pub Med database and in relevant articles related to the subject, from recent years; we have taken the 2020 WHO African Trypanosomiasis descriptive notes as a reference, as well as classic internal medicine texts and the ClinicalKey search platform. Information, Analysis and Synthesis: A detailed exposition of the disease and the therapeutic behavior was made; a brief review of imported cases and the country of origin, in addition to the danger posed by the appearance of imported cases for Cuba. Conclusions: This is a potentially fatal entity, endemic in countries where there is Cuban collaboration. It is necessary to bear in mind the diagnosis of this disease for an adequate therapeutic approach(AU)

Assessment of stereopsis in pediatric and adolescent spectacle-corrected refractive error – A cross-sectional study

Purpose: To assess the level of stereopsis in school children with spectacle?corrected refractive errors using Titmus fly and Randot stereo tests, evaluate the factors associated with the level of stereopsis, and determine the level of agreement between the two tests. Methods: A cross?sectional study was done on 5? to 18?year?old school?children wearing spectacles for at least 1?month duration. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen’s visual acuity chart, and their spectacle correction being used currently was measured using an auto lensmeter. The level of stereopsis was assessed using Randot and Titmus fly stereo tests. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM?SPSS version 20, Chicago, IL. The associations between stereopsis and type of refractive error, visual acuity, age, and gender were analyzed. An agreement between Randot and Titmus fly test was done using Kappa statistics. Results: A total of 222 children (101 boys and 121 girls; mean age 13 years) were assessed. Astigmatism was the most prevalent refractive error (60.4%), followed by myopia (24.8%) and hypermetropia (1.4%). Thirty children (13.5%) had anisometropia. All hyperopes had normal stereopsis. Children with spherical myopia had better stereopsis, followed by astigmatism and anisometropia in the same order (P = 0.036). Children with anisometropia ?1.5 D had better stereopsis than anisometropia more than 1.5 D. Stereopsis was also found to have no correlation with the age and visual acuity at the time of testing or the age at which the child first started wearing spectacles. Stereopsis values obtained from Randot and Titmus fly stereo tests showed moderate agreement with Kappa value 0.581. Conclusion: Anisometropia and astigmatism are the most critical factors determining the level of stereopsis in refractive errors

Study on stereoacuity and associated factors in school children aged 7 to 14 years

Purpose: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of subnormal stereoacuity in school children and to assess the factors associated with it. Methods: In this prospective cross?sectional study, a total of 2,376 school children without amblyopia and manifest squint were screened by the titmus fly test, Snellen chart, tests for heterophoria, anterior segment examination, and fundoscopy. Children with a manifest squint, amblyopia (best?corrected visual acuity [BCVA] <6/18), and history of ocular trauma or surgery, and one?eyed children were excluded. Cycloplegic refraction was done in children with uncorrected or undercorrected refractive errors, and stereoacuity was assessed again with spectacle correction. Results: The prevalence of normal stereoacuity by titmus fly test was 93.18% with correction of refractive errors. Girls had slightly better stereopsis compared with boys. The subnormal stereoacuity was significantly associated with refractive error (P < 0.00001, significant at P < 0.05), unilateral refractive error (P < 0.00001, significant at P < 0.05), bilateral refractive error (P < 0.00001, significant at P < 0.05), anisometropia (P < 0.00001, significant at P < 0.05), ametropia (P < 0.00001, significant at P < 0.05), lower BCVA (P < 0.00001, significant at P < 0.05), hyperopia (P < 0.05, significant at P < 0.05), and heterophoria (P = 0.014, significant at P < 0.05). The subnormal stereoacuity was positively correlated with the magnitude of refractive error of the eyes. Conclusion: This study underlines the significant impact of identification and correction of refractive errors and squints in school children. The measurement of stereoacuity will be of immense importance and must be included in the screening programs for children

Morphological revision of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) ogatai (Rubtsov) in the S. ceylonicum species-group (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Japan

@#Simulium (Gomphostilbia) ogatai (Rubtsov) from Japan, the only Palaearctic species in the S. ceylonicum species-group, is morphologically revised. Its female is described for the first time and its male and pupa are redescribed based on specimens from Gifu, Honshu. It is characterized in the female and male by the base of the radius with a tuft of yellow hairs, in the female by the head slightly wider than the thorax, 5.89 times as wide as the greatest width of the frons, and short sensory vesicle 0.21–0.24 times as long as the third palpal segment; in the male by the number of upper-eye (large) facets in 15 vertical columns and 16 horizontal rows, and hind basitarsus spindle-shaped, enlarged, 3.79 times as long as wide, and 0.83 and 1.00 times as wide as the greatest width of the hind tibia and femur, respectively; and in the pupa by the terminal hooks simple and cone-like, and the cocoon with an anterodorsal projection. Taxonomic notes for this species are given relevant to several related species in the Oriental Region, and its assignment to the S. ceylonicum species-group is confirmed.

Descriptions of adults of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) sachini Takaoka & Henry and S. (G.) williei Takaoka & Thapa in the S. (G.) gombakense species-group (Diptera: Simuliidae) from India

@#The Simulium gombakense species-group, one of the 15 species-groups of the subgenus Gomphostilbia Enderlein, is small, being represented by only 12 species, all of which are distributed in the Oriental Region. It is characterized by the pupal gill composed of an inflated structure and eight or ten slender filaments. Among the 12 species, S. sachini Takaoka & Henry, and S. williei Takaoka & Thapa were originally described from two pupae, and one pupa and two larvae, respectively, from Darjeeling, India. In the present paper, the adult females and males of these species are described for the first time from specimens reared from pupae collected at the type locality. Simulium sachini is distinctive in the female by the claw with a medium-sized basal tooth, and in the male by the somewhat enlarged, spindleshaped hind basitarsus and ventral plate with its ventral margin much depressed medially, while S. williei is characterized by the small number of male upper-eye (large) facets in 12 vertical columns and 13 or 14 horizontal rows and ventral plate much produced posteroventrally. Taxonomic notes are given to separate these two species in the adult stage from their related species.

Description of the male of Simulium triglobus Takaoka & Kuvangkadilok (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Thailand

@#Simulium triglobus Takaoka & Kuvangkadilok from Thailand, in the Simulium (Simulium) multistriatum species-group, is unique among species in the family Simuliidae in having the female terminalia with three spermathecae (rather than one spermatheca). This species was described from Nan province, northern Thailand based on larvae, pupae and females but its male has remained unknown. In this study, the male of S. triglobus is described for the first time based on adult males reared from pupae collected from the type locality. The most distinctive characteristic of the male of S. triglobus is the shape of the ventral plate, which is hexagonal when viewed ventrally. No other members of S. multistriatum species group known thus far have such a unique ventral plate. In addition, the number of upper-eye (large) facets and color patterns of the legs can be used to differentiate this species in the male from other members of the S. multistriatum species-group. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I sequences enabled association of adult male specimens of S. triglobus with previously known life stages. Phylogenetic analysis based on these sequences revealed that specimens of S. triglobus formed a strongly supported monophyletic clade, being genetically distinct from other members of S. multistriatum species-group in Thailand.

Genetic variation of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Gampaha and Kurunegala districts of Sri Lanka: Complementing the morphological identification

Objective: To identity the variation of sand flies in the Gampaha and Kurunegala districts of Sri Lanka and to assess DNA barcoding as a complementing method for morphological identification. Methods: A total of 38 441 sand flies were collected from selected localities in Gampaha and Kurunegala districts using standard entomological techniques from May 2017 to December 2018. Specimens were identified using morphological features and compared with mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene- based DNA barcoding as an alternative tool. Results: Morphological and molecular identification confirmed the presence of four species under two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). Phlebotomus argentipes was the predominant species, followed by Sergentomyia (S.) punjabensis, S. babu insularis, and an unidentified Sergentomyia sp. Phlebotomus argentipes showed a clear genetic differentiation from other species. S. babu insularis and S. punjabensis showed a higher genetic affinity to each other than the unidentified species. The unidentified Sergentomyia species is morphologically similar to S. zeylanica, but differs only in clavate gonostyle. Conclusions: DNA barcoding is an effective technique for the identification of sand flies. Further studies using molecular techniques will improve the knowledge of the cryptic diversity of Sri Lankan sand fly fauna. Establishing a reliable and standardized identification system for sand fly species in Sri Lanka is recommended.

Description of the female of Simulium (Wallacellum) tuyense Takaoka (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the Philippines

@#Simulium (Wallacellum) tuyense Takaoka, one of the 14 Philippine species in the subgenus Wallacellum Takaoka, is a rare species in having the pupal antennal sheath with a row of stout spines on the apex of each protuberance corresponding to flagellomeres 2–9. The female of this species is described for the first time based on specimens from Mindoro, the Philippines. It is characterized by an elongate sensory vesicle, triangular ovipositor valve, genital fork with two projections, and paraproct not produced anteriorly. This species is morphologically indistinguishable in the female, as in the male and pupa, from S. (W.) yonakuniense Takaoka from Yonakuni Island, Japan and Lanyu Island, Taiwan. Taxonomic notes on the female of this species relevant to those of related species are provided. Collection data to validate earlier distribution records of S. (W.) tuyense and S. (W.) suyoense Takaoka from Mindanao are presented.

Description of the males of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) miblosi Takaoka and S. (G.) apoense Takaoka (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Mindanao, the Philippines

@#The males of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) miblosi Takaoka in the S. epistum species-group, and S. (G.) apoense Takaoka in the S. ceylonicum species-group, both from Mindanao, the Philippines, are described for the first time. The male of S. (G.) miblosi is characterized by the hind tibia yellowish white on the basal three-fifths, elongate calcipala 1.5 times as long as its basal width, and ventral plate triangular ventrally (0.74 times as high as its greatest width) when viewed caudally. Tubercles on the frons and trichomes on the head and thorax of the pupa of this species are illustrated for the first time. The male of S. (G.) apoense is characterized by the small sensory vesicle 0.16–0.19 times as long as the third palpal segment, and enlarged hind basitarsus 1.0 and 1.2–1.3 times as wide as the hind tibia and femur, respectively. Taxonomic notes of these two species relevant to related species in each species-group are given.

Lightweight masonry block without Portland cement / Bloco de alvenaria leve sem cimento Portland

ABSTRACT Huge amounts of fly ash - a substance that does not conform to the ASTM C618 classification due to its chemical properties - have been abandoned in landfills around the world, despite their self-cementing property. It has not been used in concrete making applications due to its large amounts of free lime and sulfate contents. The fly ash in these plants is dumped in landfills, causing serious environmental hazards. Fly ash is disposed to the landfills by belt conveyors after being humidified with water. Therefore, the fly ashes humidified in the landfill areas are hydrated in nature. This hydration is further intensified in landfills by rain and snow. Thus, the free lime content of fly ash decreases due to its long hydration process. In this work, the lightweight masonry blocks were produced by mixing normal and hydrated fly ashes or normal, hydrated fly ash and lime without Portland cement. The compressive strength, water absorption, sorptivity, density, porosity, and thermal conductivity values of the samples produced were determined. The results obtained from these tests showed that lightweight masonry blocks could be produced by using these waste materials in building applications.

RESUMO Enormes quantidades de cinzas volantes - uma substância que não está de acordo com a classificação ASTM C618 devido às suas propriedades químicas - foram abandonadas em aterros sanitários ao redor do mundo, apesar de sua propriedade de autocimentação. Essas substâncias não têm sido usadas em aplicações de fabricação de concreto devido às suas grandes quantidades de cal livre e teores de sulfato. A cinza volante dessas usinas é despejada em aterros sanitários, causando sérios riscos ambientais. Essas cinzas são descartadas em aterros por correias transportadoras após serem umedecidas com água. Portanto, as cinzas volantes umedecidas nas áreas do aterro são hidratadas na natureza. Essa hidratação é ainda mais intensificada em aterros, pela chuva e pela neve. Assim, o teor de cal livre nas cinzas volantes diminui devido ao longo processo de hidratação. Neste trabalho, blocos de alvenaria leves foram produzidos pela mistura de cinzas volantes normais e hidratadas, ou cinza volante normal hidratada e cal sem cimento Portland. Foram determinados os valores de resistência à compressão, absorção de água, sensibilidade, densidade, porosidade e condutividade térmica das amostras produzidas. Os resultados obtidos nesses testes mostraram que blocos de alvenaria leves podem ser produzidos usando esses materiais residuais em aplicações de construção.

Dual application of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens): Protein-rich animal feed and biological extraction agent for polyhydroxybutyrate

Aims@#The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of rearing substrates on the nutritional content of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) by incorporating Cupriavidus necator cells containing intracellular polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in BSFL diet to further increase the protein content and simultaneously to biologically extract the polymer by utilizing the digestive system of BSFL. The potential application of BSFL as a biological PHB extraction agent was determined.@*Methodology and results@#Two feeding strategies consists of a mixture of protein (P) to carbohydrate (C) with a ratio of P50:C50 food waste (control feeding) and feed with bacterial cells (modified feeding). A comparison on the proximate analysis between this research and two commercially available products were conducted. Feeding BSFL with P50:C50 food waste revealed the highest crude protein content of 81.3 ± 0.2%. Additional bacteria cells in the BSFL diet, however, showed a negligible decrease in crude protein content of 0.67% as compared to the control feeding. Howbeit, this results comparably higher in contrast to the commercial products, with increment of crude protein content by 12.1% and 40.8%, respectively.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Two desirable products were obtained from the feeding with cells: (1) high protein content of BSFL and (2) biologically extracted polymer. This is the first study to demonstrate the utilization of BSFL as a biological extraction agent to partially extract biopolymer and increase the protein content by feeding with cells.

A male black fly of Simulium (Simulium) iwatense (Shiraki) (Diptera: Simuliidae) with genitalia-like appendages on abdominal segment 8

@#A rare non-sex mosaic abnormality represented by genitalia-like appendages on the ventral surface of abdominal segment 8 of a male black fly collected in Hokkaido, Japan, is reported. The appendages consist of a pair of style-like projections each arising from a coxite-like base, inverted-Y shaped ventral plate-like structure, and isolated round structure. This male was morphologically and molecularly identified as an abnormal form of S. (S.) iwatense (Shiraki), the only species in the Simulium (Simulium) ornatum species-group in Japan, although certain morphological characteristics of this male including the reduced number of uppereye (large) facets and elongate cerci are different from those of S. (S.) iwatense.

Real Power Loss Reduction by Melon Fly Optimization and Spontaneous Process Algorithm's

Abstract In this work Melon Fly Optimization (MFO) Algorithm and Spontaneous Process Algorithm (SPA) is designed to reduce the Real power loss, voltage stability enhancement and reducing the Voltage deviation. In this work real power loss measured and how much loss has been reduced is also identified by suitable comparison with standard algorithms. In this society from common consumer to industry needs better quality of power continuously and constantly without much variation. One way to improve the quality of the power is to reduce the power loss. Also reduction of power loss will improve the economic conditions of the nation indirectly and it improves the productivity of the nation with any hurdles. Around the world all nations sequentially identifying the method to reduce the power loss in the transmission and subsequently it improve the quality of power. MFO algorithm has been formed based on the innate events of Melon fly. Due their very excellent eyesight and mutual supportive behaviour Melon fly will find the food without difficulty. By smell and vision the Melon fly will move to the best location form the current location. In the preliminary level Melon flies will search the food in multiple directions and they may be far away from the food source, it like scattering in the plane. Then Spontaneous Process Algorithm (SPA) is designed to solve the optimal reactive power problem Formulation of the projected algorithm is done by imitating the process done during nuclear fission and fusion. Every item of a nucleus attribute symbolizes each solution variable. Sequence of operators directs the nucleus and in order to avoid the local optimum it will imitate the dissimilar condition of reaction. In the exploration space nucleus symbolizes the variables and potential solution. Levy flight has been intermingled in the procedure to enhance the diversification and intensification in the search. Evaluation of validity of the Melon Fly Optimization (MFO) Algorithm and Spontaneous Process Algorithm (SPA) is done in IEEE 30-bus system by considering voltage stability (L-index) and also devoid of L-index criterion. Minimization of voltage deviation, voltage stability enhancement and power loss minimization has been achieved.

First report of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the parasitoid Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

ABSTRACT We recorded for the first time the presence of the two fruit flies pests, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the parasitoid Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil. The specimens were collected in traps installed during June/2019 to February/2020. The fruit flies and the parasitoid species are widespread in the Brazilian mainland and have most likely been introduced accidentally in the archipelago.

The gene expression of Leishmania infantum chagasi inside Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil

Leishmania infantum chagasi is the causative agent and Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. We investigated the expression of Leishmania genes within L. longipalpis after artificial infection. mRNAs from genes involved in sugar and amino acid metabolism were upregulated at times of high parasite proliferation inside the insect. mRNAs from genes involved in metacyclogenesis had higher expression in late stages of infection. Other modulated genes of interest were involved in immunomodulation, purine salvage pathway and protein recycling. These data reveal aspects of the adaptation of the parasite to the microenvironment of the vector gut and reflect the preparation for infection in the vertebrate.