Genetic structure of a phytophagous mite species affected by crop practices: the case of Tetranychus urticae in clementine mandarins.

Tetranychus urticae Koch is a cosmopolitan mite considered as the most polyphagous species among spider mites. This mite is a key pest of clementine mandarins in Eastern Spain, where Spanish clementine production concentrates. Crop management practices can affect the population dynamics of this mite and, consequently, its impact on the orchard. Microsatellite markers were used to study mite population genetics from two commercial orchards which had been managed differently following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or Organic Pest Management (OPM) schemes during four consecutive years. A multiplex system including 20 microsatellite loci was designed specifically and allowed an efficient and inexpensive genotyping of individual mites. We found that the IPM population had a stronger fluctuation of population structure and higher genetic diversity compared to OPM population. Thus, our study concludes that crop management has an impact on the population genetics of T. urticae which may be related to the alternation of some acaricides under IPM.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Tetranychus urticae and cross amplification in other Tetranychidae and Phytoseiidae species of economic importance.

Tetranychus urticae Koch is a cosmopolitan phytophagous mite considered as the most polyphagous species among spider mites. Population genetic studies using molecular markers such as microsatellites have proven to be extremely informative to address questions about population structure, phylogeography and host preferences. The aim of this study was to increase the available molecular tools to gain insight into the genetic structure of T. urticae populations of citrus orchards, which might help in their management. Five microsatellite DNA libraries were developed using probes with the motifs CT, CTT, GT and CAC following the FIASCO protocol. Positive clones, those that included the insert with the microsatellite, were detected using the PIMA-PCR technique. Combinations of primers were designed on 22 out of 32 new microsatellites loci and their polymorphism was tested in four populations sampled along the eastern coast of Spain. Eleven successful amplifications were obtained. Cross amplification was tested in the tetranychids Aphlonobia histricina, Eutetranychus banksi, E. orientalis, Oligonychus perseae, Panonychus citri, Tetranychus evansi, T. okinawanus and T. turkestani, and the phytoseiids Amblyseius swirskii, A. cucumeris, A. andersoni, Euseius stipulatus, Neoseiulus barkeri, N. californicus, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Typhlodromus phialatus. Eight successful cross amplifications were obtained.

El papel de los gestágenos en los anticonceptivos hormonales orales / The role of gestagens in oral hormonal contraceptives

El papel de los gestágenos en los anticonceptivos hormonales orales está en relación directa con los efectos secundarios y el impacto sobre el metabolismo. En la última década se han desarrollado cinco nuevos gestágenos con alta potencia progestogénica y sin actividad androgénica. Es necesario desarrollar y utilizar gestágenos más selectivos para que la píldora sea usada con seguridad y confianza, para aumentar el cumplimiento y así disminuir el número de embarazos no deseados

The role of gestagens in oral hormonal contraceptives was directly related to secondary effects and metabolic impact. In the last decade five new gestagens have been developed, each presenting high progestogenic potency and absent androgenic activity. It is necesary to develop more selective gestagens to reduce secondary effects in order to get a safe and confident use of contraceptive pill, to increase compliance and to decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies

Anticoncepción en mayores de 40 años / Contraception in women older than 40 year of age

En las mujeres mayores de 40 años la fertilidad va gradualmente disminuyendo y todavía persiste riesgo de gestación. Además, debido al declinar de la función ovárica, las mujeres perimenopáusicas tienen sintomatología climatérica. El uso de métodos anticonceptivos después de los 40 años lleva asociado unos riesgos y beneficios. El balance entre ambos es de suma importancia para elegir el mejor método anticonceptivo entre las opciones disponibles. En mujeres sanas, sin contraindicaciones a los estrógenos, los anticonceptivos hormonales combinados son una buena alternativa ya que disminuyen el riesgo de cáncer de ovario y de endometrio y de la osteoporosis. (AU)

Solicitudes de vasectomía en un centro de planificación familiar / Vasectomy applications in a family planning center

Se analizan las características de los solicitantes de vasectomía en el Centro de Planificación Familiar Alicante 3 durante un período de 6 años así como los motivos que inducen a los demandantes de vasectomía a optar por este método anticonceptivo. Destaca que un 11 por ciento solicita vasectomía sin tener su deseo genésico cumplido, que los métodos anticonceptivos utilizados con anterioridad a la vasectomía son de uso masculino y una tendencia creciente de solicitantes con un solo hijo y deseo genésico cumplido (AU)