Identification of Belgian mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) by DNA barcoding.

Since its introduction in 2003, DNA barcoding has proven to be a promising method for the identification of many taxa, including mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Many mosquito species are potential vectors of pathogens, and correct identification in all life stages is essential for effective mosquito monitoring and control. To use DNA barcoding for species identification, a reliable and comprehensive reference database of verified DNA sequences is required. Hence, DNA sequence diversity of mosquitoes in Belgium was assessed using a 658 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, and a reference data set was established. Most species appeared as well-supported clusters. Intraspecific Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distances averaged 0.7%, and the maximum observed K2P distance was 6.2% for Aedes koreicus. A small overlap between intra- and interspecific K2P distances for congeneric sequences was observed. Overall, the identification success using best match and the best close match criteria were high, that is above 98%. No clear genetic division was found between the closely related species Aedes annulipes and Aedes cantans, which can be confused using morphological identification only. The members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, that is Anopheles maculipennis s.s. and An. messeae, were weakly supported as monophyletic taxa. This study showed that DNA barcoding offers a reliable framework for mosquito species identification in Belgium except for some closely related species.

Around-the-clock intraocular pressure reduction with once-daily application of latanoprost by itself or in combination with timolol.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether once-daily, in the morning, topical application of the new ocular hypotensive prostaglandin analogue, latanoprost, yields nocturnal intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction similar to its diurnal IOP reducing efficacy. STUDY DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Placebo- controlled, randomized, and double-masked study on hospitalized patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Patients in group 1 (n=9) were maintained on twice-daily applications of 0.5% timolol maleate. Patients in group 2 (n=10) terminated their timolol treatment 3 weeks before the beginning of the study. In both groups the test drug (0.005% latanoprost) and its vehicle (placebo) was applied by hospital staff every morning for 9 days. MEASUREMENTS: After 4 days of ambulatory treatment, patients were hospitalized, and IOP values were obtained in the supine and sitting positions with a handheld electronic tonometer (Tono-Pen XL, Bio-Rad, Glendale, Calif) and a Goldmann's applanation tonometer, covering every 2-hour interval, around the clock, but not more than at four time points per day during a 5-day period. RESULTS: The mean nocturnal IOPs (Goldmann's applanation tonometer) collected for 5 days were mean +/-SEM 17.9+/-0.6 vs 20.2+/-0.6 mm Hg and 16.8+/-0.3 vs 20.6+/-0.5 mm Hg for the study vs the control eyes in group 1 and group 2, respectively. These nocturnal IOP reductions were statistically significant (P<.001, two-tailed paired Student's t test). The differences between diurnal and nocturnal IOP reductions (handheld electronic or Goldmann's applanation tonometer) were minimal (>0.3 mm Hg) and statistically not significant (P>.31, two-tailed paired Student's t test). CONCLUSION: Once-daily latanoprost treatment provides uniform circadian (around-the-clock) IOP reduction by itself, or in combination with timolol.

Maintained intraocular pressure reduction with once-a-day application of a new prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue (PhXA41). An in-hospital, placebo-controlled study.

To eliminate uncertainties about compliance, 15 patients with glaucoma (intraocular pressure [IOP] > 22 mm Hg and < 40 mm Hg) were hospitalized to participate in a clinical trial of the ocular hypotensive effectiveness of the new prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue prodrug, PhXA41 (13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18, 19, 20-trinor-PGF2a-isopropyl ester; latanoprost [World Health Organization generic name]). At 9 PM on each of five consecutive days, one of the investigators applied one drop of a 0.006% solution of PhXA41 (representing approximately 2 micrograms of PhXA41 per treatment) to one eye of nine patients and one drop of placebo to one eye of six patients. This was followed by an evaluation of potential local side effects at 9:30 PM. Complete examinations, including tonometry (Goldmann), were also performed at 8 AM and 8 PM on days 1 to 6, as well as at noon and 4 PM on days 1, 2, and 6. Except for mild conjunctival hyperemia in two PhXA41-treated eyes (once each at 8 AM), no side effects were observed or reported by any patient. Starting with the first IOP measurement after the first treatment (8 AM on day 2), IOP was reduced by 20% to 30% in the eyes treated with PhXA41. This reduction was highly significant (P < .01 at 12 time points and P < .05 at the remaining two measurements) throughout the study. The IOP reduction did not become attenuated during the 23 hours after treatments. At 11 hours after the last treatment, the mean (+/- SD) IOP difference between PhXA41-treated and contralateral control eyes was -5.5 +/- 2.8 mm Hg, as compared with -6.1 +/- 1.8 mm Hg 12 hours later. PhXA41 must, therefore, be regarded as an excellent candidate for use as a once-a-day glaucoma medication.