Variación espacio-temporal de la diversidad de escarabajos Geadephaga (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae) en el bosque seco tropical del Caribe colombiano / Spatio-temporal variation in the diversity of Geadephaga beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae), in the tropical dry forest of the Colombian Caribbean

Resumen Introducción: El uso de artrópodos en estudios ecológicos en el bosque seco tropical (Bs-T) de Colombia se centra mayormente en arañas, mariposas, hormigas y escarabajos coprófagos; por lo tanto, es necesario comprender como es la dinámica estacional de otros grupos como Geadephaga en este ecosistema. Objetivo: Evaluar la variación espacio-temporal y el efecto de las condiciones ambientales sobre la diversidad de las comunidades de Geadephaga en dos fragmentos de Bs-T en el Caribe colombiano. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en cuatro eventos de muestreo entre febrero y junio de 2018; cada uno con una duración de cuatro días y cuatro noches. En cada localidad (Reserva Campesina La Montaña = RCM y Reserva La Flecha = RLF), se marcaron cuatro estaciones distanciadas 350 m, con parcelas de 50×50 m. En el centro de cada parcela se instaló una trampa de luz, mientras que en los cuatro vértices se instalaron trampas de caída, y se realizó captura manual, cernido de hojarasca y perturbación de follaje. Resultados: Se capturó un total de 348 ejemplares de Carabidae y 114 de Cicindelidae. La riqueza y la abundancia presentaron los valores más bajos durante el período seco, mientras que los mayores valores se observaron durante el período de lluvias, en ambos fragmentos. Tetracha affinis (Dejean, 1825) fue la especie más abundante en la RCM durante el período lluvioso. Conclusiones: La variación de la riqueza y abundancia de Geadephaga responde a un patrón estacional en ambos fragmentos. Se encontró una amplia disimilitud entre las comunidades de Geadephaga de ambos fragmentos, pese a tener condiciones ambientales parecidas.

Abstract Introduction: The use of arthropods in ecological studies in the tropical dry forest (TDF) of Colombia focused mainly on spiders, butterflies, ants, and dung beetles; therefore, it is necessary to understand the seasonal dynamics of the other groups such as Geadephaga in this ecosystem. Objective: To evaluate the spatio-temporal variations and the effect of environmental conditions on the diversity of the Geadephaga communities in two TDF fragments in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: This study was conducted during four sampling events between February and June 2018, each lasting four days, and four nights. Four sampling stations were selected in each locality (Reserva Campesina La Montaña = RCM and Reserva La Flecha = RLF), separated 350 m one from another, with square plots of 50 × 50 m. A light trap was installed in the center of each square, while pitfall traps were installed in the four vertices, and manual capture, beating sheets and leaf litter sieve were carried out. Results: A total of 348 Carabidae and 114 of Cicindelidae were captured. In both fragments, the richness and abundance presented the lowest values in dry season, while the highest values were observed during the rainy season. Tetracha affinis (Dejean, 1825) was the most abundant species in RCM during rainy season. Conclusions: The richness variation and abundance of Geadephaga corresponds to a seasonal pattern at both locations. A high dissimilarity between the communities of Geadephaga from the two fragments was found, despite having similar environmental conditions.

Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Mosquito Species Expansion: A Comprehensive Entomological Surveillance Study on Kastellorizo, a Remote Greek Island.

The expansion of the tiger mosquito, a vector that can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, poses a growing threat to global health. This study focuses on the entomological surveillance of Kastellorizo, a remote Greek island affected by its expansion. This research employs a multifaceted approach, combining KAP survey (knowledge, attitude, practices), mosquito collection using adult traps and human landing catches, and morphological and molecular identification methods. Results from questionnaires reveal community awareness and preparedness gaps, emphasizing the need for targeted education. Mosquito collections confirm the presence of the Aedes albopictus, Aedes cretinus, and Culex pipiens mosquitoes, highlighting the importance of surveillance. This study underscores the significance of community engagement in entomological efforts and proposes a citizen science initiative for sustained monitoring. Overall, this research provides essential insights for developing effective mosquito control programs in remote island settings, thereby emphasizing the importance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Proteomic analysis and in vivo visualization of extracellular vesicles from mouse oviducts during pre-implantation embryo development.

Pre-implantation embryonic development occurs in the oviduct during the first few days of pregnancy. The presence of oviductal extracellular vesicles (oEVs, also called oviductosomes) is crucial for pre-implantation embryonic development in vivo as oEVs often contain molecular transmitters such as proteins. Therefore, evaluating oEV cargo during early pregnancy could provide insights into factors required for proper early embryonic development that are missing in the current in vitro embryo culture setting. In this study, we isolated oEVs from the oviductal fluid at estrus and different stages of early embryonic development. The 2306-3066 proteins in oEVs identified at the different time points revealed 58-60 common EV markers identified in exosome databases. Oviductal extracellular vesicle proteins from pregnant samples significantly differed from those in non-pregnant samples. In addition, superovulation changes the protein contents in oEVs compared to natural ovulation at estrus. Importantly, we have identified that embryo-protectant proteins such as high-mobility protein group B1 and serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor were only enriched in the presence of embryos. We also visualized the physical interaction of EVs and the zona pellucida of 4- to 8-cell stage embryos using transmission electron microscopy as well as in vivo live imaging of epithelial cell-derived GFP-tagged CD9 mouse model. All protein data in this study are readily available to the scientific community in a searchable format at https://genes.winuthayanon.com/winuthayanon/oviduct_ev_proteins/. In conclusion, we identified oEVs proteins that could be tested to determine whether they can improve embryonic developmental outcomes in vivo and in vitro setting.

Morph-linked variation in female pheromone signalling and male response in a polymorphic moth.

Understanding the maintenance of genetic variation in reproductive strategies and polymorphisms in the wild requires a comprehensive examination of the complex interactions between genetic basis, behaviour and environmental factors. We tested the association between three colour genotypes and variation in female pheromone signalling and male antennal morphology in the wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis). These moths have genetically determined white (WW, Wy) and yellow (yy) hindwings that are linked to mating success and fitness, with heterozygotes (Wy) having an advantage. We hypothesized that attractiveness and reproductive success are correlated, with Wy females being more attractive than the other two genotypes which could contribute to maintaining the polymorphism. Female attractiveness was tested by baiting traps with females of the three colour genotypes both in low- (i.e. field set-up) and in high-population density (i.e. large enclosure set-up). Male's ability to reach females was correlated to their own colour genotype and antennal morphology (length, area and lamellae count). Contrary to our prediction, morph-related reproductive success and attractiveness were not correlated. Heavier Wy females attracted a lower proportion of males compared to WW and yy females. Specifically, an increase in weight corresponded to a decreased Wy but increased yy female attractiveness. yy females were generally more attractive than others likely due to earlier pheromone release. In males, lamellae count and genetic colour morph were linked to the male's ability to locate females. Furthermore, male traits affected their ability to reach females in a context-specific way. Males with denser antennae (i.e. higher lamellae count) and white males reached the females faster than yellows in the enclosure, while yellow males located females faster than whites in the field. Our results indicate that higher yy female attractiveness was likely affected by the combined effect of early pheromone release, female weight and higher population density. Males' searching success was affected by morph-specific behavioural strategies and local population density. Ultimately, the combined effect of genotype-related pheromone signalling strategies of females together with environment-dependent male behaviour affect male response and potentially contribute to maintaining variation in fitness-related traits.

The genome sequence of the Scarlet Tiger moth, Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Callimorpha dominula (the Scarlet Tiger moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence is 658.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.45 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 20,234 protein coding genes.

Molecular evidence of hepatozoonosis in tigers of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State of India.

BACKGROUND: Hepatozoonosis has been reported in many species around the world. Few incidences have been reported in various species of wild felids. Tigers are endangered large cats and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 under Schedule I. The study was carried out to estimate the positivity rate of hepatozoonosis in tigers of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. METHODS: Blood (n = 21) or tissue samples (n = 5) were collected from 26 wild captured / zoo-born or dead tigers during the quarantine period/post-mortem examination. Blood smear examination along with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) studies were conducted for the detection of hepatozoonosis. All the amplicons from the positive samples were purified and sequenced, and the sequences were subjected to nBLAST analysis to detect the species of Hepatozoon. The sequences were deposited into public domain database of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and accession numbers were allotted. A phylogenetic study was undertaken to understand the evolutionary lineage of the pathogen. Tissue distribution studies were carried out on tissue samples received during post mortem. A clinical case in a tiger cub was managed and sub-clinical cases were monitored for relapse. Age-wise, sex-wise, region-wise and captive time-wise positivity rate was estimated. The data was analyzed using statistical tools. RESULTS: A total of 12 tigers were found positive for H. felis during the screening. A clinical case was diagnosed and successfully treated. The age group of 0-3 years reported a positivity rate of 66.66%, and all the cases found positive were reported between the age group of 0-7 years. Males reported a positivity rate of 58.33 per cent, while females reported 35.71%. Taboba and Andhari Tiger Reserve of the state had a positivity rate of 52.94 per cent. However, the statistical analysis for blood parameters and positivity rate by 't' test and Chi-squared test were found to be non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: An overall positivity rate of 46.15% indicates the wide distribution of hepatozoonosis among wild tigers of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, which is strategically important considering the gene flow and migration of tigers. Hepatozoonosis can progress to clinical outcomes in young animals and require veterinary intervention. Molecular tools and phylogenetic studies can supplement important data on circulating species of Hepatozoon in the field. Further studies on the clinical management and epidemiology of the infection in wild felids will comprehend the cause of wildlife conservation.

Effect of freeze-thaw treatment on the yield and quality of tiger nut oil.

To investigate the effect of freeze-thaw (FT) process on the yield and quality of tiger nut oil, tiger nuts were subjected to 0-12 cycles of FT treatment. Results indicated that FT treatment ruptured the cell structure of tiger nut, resulting in an increase in oil yield. Acid value (2.09-2.42 mg KOH/g) and peroxide value (0.40-0.42 mmol/kg) increased with the number of FT cycles, but the increments were small. Likewise, slight differences in fatty acid composition and thermal properties between control and FT-treated samples were observed. FT treatment remarkably increased the bioactive components (e.g., vitamin E, sterols, chlorophyll and carotenoids) in the oil and extended the oxidation induction time from 1.2 to 5.57 h. FT treatment altered the volatile composition of tiger nut oil, increasing the relative content of heterocycles and pyrazines such as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, trimethylpyrazine and tetramethylpyrazine. It was suggested that FT treatment prior to oil extraction was beneficial to improve the oil yield and quality.

Effect of microwave treatment and water-bath heating treatment on the performance of glutenin from Tiger nut seed meal: Insights into changes in structural characteristics, functional properties, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestibility.

In this study, the structural characteristics, functional properties, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestibility of glutenin from Tiger nut seed meal (TNSMG) treated by microwave (140-700 W, 20-60 s) and water-bath heating (40-100 °C, 10-30 min) were investigated. Analysis of the surface hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that both microwave and water-bath heating treatments caused structure changes of TNSMG. The results showed an increase in the exposure of sulfhydryl groups and the content of ß-sheet, coupled with a decrease in the content of α-helix and ß-turn. These structural changes contributed to the improved solubility, foamability, emulsification properties, and digestibility of TNSMG under proper thermal treatment conditions. TNSMG exhibited the best solubility (68.48%) and foamability (85.56%) after water-bath heating treatment for 20 min at 80 °C. Furthermore, TNSMG showed the best emulsification property (9.61 m2/g) and digestibility (78.58%) when treated by microwave treatment at 560 W for 40 s.

Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on the Selection of Reintroduction Sites for the South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) in China.

The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is a tiger subspecies unique to China and one of the top ten endangered species in the world. It used to play an important role in the overall function of the ecosystem. This study rationally screened out key prey species of the South China tiger-the Chinese serow, Chinese goral, tufted deer, water deer, Chinese muntjac, red muntjac, sambar deer, and wild boar. Candidate sites for the rewilding and reintroduction of the South China tiger were derived by exploring changes in suitable habitats for the prey using the MaxEnt model. The results show that: (1) by 2070, except for the high-suitability areas of water deer and Chinese muntjac, the areas of suitable habitats for the other six prey species would all have decreased significantly; (2) the location of the high-suitability area of the South China tiger obtained by superimposing the suitable areas of the eight prey species would be almost stable in 2050 and 2070, but the habitat index of some high- and medium-suitability areas would decrease and turn into low-suitability areas; (3) the core candidate sites were 83,415 km2 in total, of which 25,630 km2 overlapped with existing protected areas, accounting for 30.7% of the core candidate sites, and the remaining 69.3% of the core candidate sites were mostly distributed around the protected areas; (4) the maximum core candidate site area was projected to be 10,000 km2 by 2070, which could support a small population of 23 male tigers and 66 female tigers to survive and reproduce in the wild. This study revealed the core candidate sites for the rewilding of South China tigers and estimated the number of tigers that could be reintroduced to these areas, providing a preliminary research basis for promoting the rewilding of South China tigers in China.

Effect of hot-air drying on drying characteristics and quality of tiger nut.

BACKGROUND: The delayed drying of newly harvested tiger nuts can lead to mold and rancidity. Timely drying is therefore important. However, few studies have analyzed the impact of hot-air drying on the quality of tiger-nut oil and starch, making it essential to establish optimal drying conditions. RESULTS: The results showed that the drying temperature was the most important factor affecting the drying speed, followed by drying airflow rate and loading capacity. A logarithmic model can describe the hot-air drying process of tiger nuts. The oil yield of tiger nut was highest after drying at 60 °C, reaching 22.40%. Meanwhile, the starch extracted from after drying at 60 °C had the highest solubility and expansion rate, 4.77% and 9.74%, respectively. Starch has the highest viscosity after drying at 70 °C, and it forms gel easily after aging. CONCLUSION: High-quality tiger nuts should be produced under optimal conditions: a hot-air drying temperature of 60 °C, an airflow rate of 1.0 m s-1, and a loading capacity of 100 g. The results of this study have practical implications for the effective drying of tiger nuts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Functional Cyperus esculentus L. Cookies Enriched with the Probiotic Strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SL42.

This study presents for the first time functional cookies for diabetics made with 100% organic Cyperus esculentus L. flour, either plain or enhanced with 5% polyfloral honey syrup containing the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SL42. The flour's chemical composition and rheological and functional properties were analyzed, and 33 diabetic and semi-naive panelists assessed the cookies' sensory properties. MRS-cys agar cultures and SEM analysis evaluated SL42 survival and adhesion capacity over 21 days at 25 °C. Results showed that the flour and its extracts are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, indicating strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Both cookie types met international standards when compared to commercial cookies and had similar physical properties. Sensory evaluation on day 1 revealed higher quality indicators for honey syrup-enriched cookies, but after 15 days, control cookies were preferred. The CIE LAB analysis confirmed the dietetic flour's typical dark color, with honey syrup-enriched cookies being darker. Despite textural differences, both cookies maintained detectable crispness over storage. Honey syrup-enriched cookies effectively carried L. rhamnosus SL42, remaining viable at 6.43 Log CFU per cookie after 21 days and adhering to the cookie's surface, as confirmed by SEM analysis. Further research is recommended to better understand the therapeutic value of these cookies.

New records and revised distribution of tiger beetles in China (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae).

Based on the examination of specimens housed in several scientific collections, we expand the known tiger beetle fauna of China, and eight species are recorded from China for the first time. The occurrence of Cicindela (Cicindela) sachalinensis raddei Morawitz, 1863 in Shanxi Province, and Neocollyris (Neocollyris) saphyrina (Chaudoir, 1850) in China are re-established. We provide distribution maps and habitus photographs of examined specimens for the newly recorded and revised species. We also discuss potential research hotspots for future taxonomic studies of tiger beetles in China.

Influence of plant community on Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) oviposition behaviour: Insights from a Spanish botanical garden.

Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting pathogens of both medical and veterinary significance. Addressing the nuisance and vector roles of Aedes albopictus through surveillance and control programs is a primary concern for European countries. Botanical gardens provide suitable habitats for the development of Ae. albopictus and represent typical points of entry of invasive species. To assess the oviposition preferences alongside various biotic parameters (plant species community, shade index, and flowering), we conducted a study in a botanical garden of Sóller (Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain). A total of 6,368 Ae. albopictus eggs were recorded in 36 ovitraps positioned and revised every 15 days in seven different habitats over six months in 2016. Zero-inflated and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse Ae. albopictus habitat preferences. The number of eggs increased throughout the sampling period, peaking in September. The oviposition rates showed a patchy distribution, with Ae. albopictus showing preference for oviposition in laurel forest and cropland habitats. A positive effect of large leaves and presence of flowers on the oviposition of Ae. albopictus were also recorded. This study provides valuable information into the behaviour of Ae. albopictus in botanical gardens, which is essential data for informing surveillance and control programs.

Insights on tiger nut (Cyperus Esculentus L.) oil-loaded microcapsules: characterization and oxidation stability analysis.

In this paper, tiger nut oil-loaded microcapsules (TNOMs) were prepared by complexation soybean protein isolate (SPI) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials using the spray drying method with tiger nut oil (TNO) as the core material, and its physicochemical properties and stabilities were characterized and analyzed. Under the optimum conditions, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of TNOMs could reach up to 91.23%. Of note, after 60 days of storage at 60 °C, the peroxide value (PV) of TNO was almost 21.8 times as much as that of TNO encapsulated. Furthermore, TNOMs had good thermal stability below 200 °C and are sufficient for the general food processing needs. By fitting Arrhenius oxidation kinetics model, it was predicted that the shelf life of the product stored at 25 °C was 352.48 d. Therefore, it is promised to be applied to the development of high oleic acid food in the future. This study offered a theoretical framework for utilization and broadening the range of applications of TNO in the food industry.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Cyperus esculentus and C. rotundus with contrasting oil contents in tubers defines genes and regulatory networks involved in oil accumulation.

Plant vegetative organs present great potential for lipid storage, with tubers of Cyperus esculentus as a unique example. To investigate the genome and transcriptomic features of C. esculentus and related species, we sequenced and assembled the C. esculentus genome at the contig level. Through a comparative study of high-quality transcriptomes across 36 tissues from high-oil and intermediate-oil C. esculentus and low-oil Cyperus rotundus, we identified potential genes and regulatory networks related to tuber oil accumulation. First, we identified tuber-specific genes in two C. esculentus cultivars. Second, genes involved in fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and TAG packaging presented increased activity in the later stages of tuber development. Notably, tubers with high oil contents presented higher levels of these genes than those with intermediate oil contents did, whereas tubers with low oil contents presented minimal gene expression. Notably, a large fragment of the FA biosynthesis rate-limiting enzyme-encoding gene BCCP1 was missing from the C. rotundus transcript, which might be responsible for blocking FA biosynthesis in its tubers. WGCNA pinpointed a gene module linked to tuber oil accumulation, with a coexpression network involving the transcription factors WRI1, MYB4, and bHLH68. The ethylene-related genes in this module suggest a role for ethylene signaling in oil accumulation, which is supported by the finding that ethylene (ETH) treatment increases the oil content in C. esculentus tubers. This study identified potential genes and networks associated with tuber oil accumulation in C. esculentus, highlighting the role of specific genes, transcription factors, and ethylene signaling in this process.

The invasive Aedes albopictus in the Doñana World Heritage Site.

BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus is catalogued as one of the 100 most dangerous species worldwide. Native to Asia, the species has drastically increased its distribution range, reaching all continents except Antarctica. The presence of Ae. albopictus in Spain was first reported in 2004 in Cataluña (NE Spain), and it is spreading in the country. METHODS: We conducted an extensive mosquito monitoring study in the natural protected area of the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) in 2023. After identifying the presence of Ae. albopictus, a mosquito control strategy was developed and implemented to eradicate the species in the area. RESULTS: Overall, 12,652 mosquito females of 14 different species were captured at nine sites within the park. For the first time, the presence of Ae. albopictus was recorded in the area, despite intensive trapping performed at some localities since 2003. The presence of this invasive species in the park is most likely linked to human activities, potentially facilitated by daily car trips of personnel. Although larvae of Culex, Anopheles, and Culiseta mosquitoes were identified in these containers, the presence of Ae. albopictus larvae was not recorded in those locations. In spite of that, the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) was applied to artificial containers potentially used by Ae. albopictus as breeding sites. CONCLUSIONS: This work evidences the high capacity of Ae. albopictus to reach highly conserved natural areas far from urban foci. We discuss the implications of the presence of Ae. albopictus in this endangered ecosystem and the potential control measures necessary to prevent its reintroduction.

Use of presence vs absence of symphyseal teeth in jaws for the forensic analysis of bites by large traumatogenic shark species.

Identifying the species of shark responsible for a bite on humans is both complex and important for understanding and managing the shark risk. Depending on the species, tiny teeth may or may not be present in the symphyseal space at the junction of the upper and lower half-jaws. In the case of bites, these tiny teeth (if present) often leave specific marks that may enable species to be quickly and reliably distinguished. We first present the anatomo-morphological characteristics of the jaws of the three most traumatogenic species for humans which are the white, tiger, and bull sharks. The white shark has no symphyseal teeth, while the tiger and bull sharks do. On the basis of three confirmed real case studies involving those species, we then show that for the white shark, the wide symphyseal space between the first two teeth of each jaw usually leads to wounds including the presence of (quite) large flesh flaps, without any tooth imprint. Conversely, wounds following bites made by the tiger and bull sharks will generally leave characteristic small imprints of symphyseal teeth, especially in the case of incomplete or superficial bites. Although not systematic, this diagnostic approach provides fast, reliable, and clean results. The discrimination between two species with symphyseal teeth can then be made on the basis of complementary anatomic information such as jaw curvature and details linked to the anatomy of the teeth themselves, as well as the ecological context.

Tiger Milk Mushroom: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Composition, Phytochemicals, Health Benefits, and Scientific Advancements with Emphasis on Chemometrics and Multi-Omics.

This article presents a comprehensive overview of tiger milk mushroom (TMM), covering its nutritional composition, phytochemicals, health benefits, and related scientific advancements. It describes various potential positive health benefits of TMM, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, respiratory function enhancement, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, photoprotective, antidiabetic, wound-healing, and anti-HIV, among others. This article also underlines the importance of further research into the phytochemicals present in TMM for additional discoveries. It underscores the importance of further research into phytochemicals content of TMM for additional discoveries and emphasizes the potential applications of TMM in nutrition, health, and well-being. Sophisticated techniques, such as chemometrics and multi-omics technologies revealed latest scientific advancements of TMM. This comprehensive overview provides a foundation for future research and development in harnessing TMM's potential for human health.

A Literature Review on the Role of the Invasive Aedes albopictus in the Transmission of Avian Malaria Parasites.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive mosquito species with a global distribution. This species has populations established in most continents, being considered one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species. Invasions of mosquitoes such as Ae. albopictus could facilitate local transmission of pathogens, impacting the epidemiology of some mosquito-borne diseases. Aedes albopictus is a vector of several pathogens affecting humans, including viruses such as dengue virus, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus, as well as parasites such as Dirofilaria. However, information about its competence for the transmission of parasites affecting wildlife, such as avian malaria parasites, is limited. In this literature review, we aim to explore the current knowledge about the relationships between Ae. albopictus and avian Plasmodium to understand the role of this mosquito species in avian malaria transmission. The prevalence of avian Plasmodium in field-collected Ae. albopictus is generally low, although studies have been conducted in a small proportion of the affected countries. In addition, the competence of Ae. albopictus for the transmission of avian malaria parasites has been only proved for certain Plasmodium morphospecies under laboratory conditions. Therefore, Ae. albopictus may play a minor role in avian Plasmodium transmission in the wild, likely due to its mammal-biased blood-feeding pattern and its reduced competence for the development of different avian Plasmodium. However, further studies considering other avian Plasmodium species and lineages circulating under natural conditions should be carried out to properly assess the vectorial role of Ae. albopictus for the Plasmodium species naturally circulating in its distribution range.

Treatment and Diagnostic Approach for Lhermitte-Duclos Disease and Suspected Cowden Syndrome.

Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD) is a rare entity, which may or may not be associated with Cowden syndrome (CS). The authors present a 26-year-old male with a history of emergency treatment due to acute obstructive hydrocephalus and apparent Chiari malformation. In posterior evaluation, mild cerebellar symptoms, mucocutaneous lesions, and a left hemispheric cerebellar lesion were evident. Initially, with the clinical evidence and the radiological study report of a cerebellar tiger-striped lesion, LDD with associated CS was suspected, and a genetic protocol was performed. The protocol included an endoscopy and thyroid ultrasound, and with symptom progression, a new neurosurgical procedure was performed. To complete the approach, we used the clinical criteria for PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome established in 2013, and CS was diagnosed in the patient. In patients with radiological and clinical suspicion of LDD and CS, it should be mandatory to investigate the presence of other types of tumors due to their association with PTEN hamartomatous tumor syndrome, and in the absence of genetic study, the clinical criteria previously established in the literature should be sufficient to establish the diagnosis.