Evaluation of the effectiveness of three sticky traps to monitor four species of cockroaches (Hexapoda: Blattaria) with simulated use tests.

Background: Cockroaches are the pest of major concern for the disinfestation programs of the sanitary system in Italy. Hygienic-sanitary interest is linked to the role of mechanical vectors of pathogens and to their allergological potential. Sticky traps are the best tool to monitor the presence of these insects and several types of them are available on the market. In most of the cases the traps are not indicated for a given species, but, instead, generically for cockroaches. Domestic cockroaches differ in morphology, size and habits. Consequently, the effectiveness of the trap can change in relation to the target species. Materials and methods: In this study three of the most employed traps in Italy were compared: the INDIA trap with and without its attractant tablet (hereafter mentioned as INDIA-A and INDIA-E, respectively), the ZAPI Simply trap and the CATCHMASTER Spider & Insect Glue trap. We chose the four most common species of cockroach (Blattodea) in Italy, Blatta orientalis (L.), Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattidae), Blattella germanica (L.) and Supella longipalpa (F.) (Blattellidae). Each species of cockroach was tested separately inside arenas containing one of the traps. Each test (one species with one kind of trap) was replicated five times. Results and discussion: The INDIA-A trap collected more cockroaches of every species, followed by the INDIA-E. The ZAPI trap caught less specimens of each species in respect to the INDIA traps, with the only exception of B. orientalis, for which the ZAPI trap caught more than the INDIA-E. The CATCHMASTER trap performed significantly less for all the species. B. orientalis was the species most abundantly caught by all traps, followed by B. germanica, S. longipalpa and P. americana. No significant difference was observed in the catch according to the developmental stage. In general, there was no particular predisposition of any trap to catch a particular species. Conclusions: It is not possible to indicate a model of trap for each species of cockroach, but it is clear that different traps have different performances in terms of attractiveness and capture. Therefore, the choice of the trap affects the results of the monitoring, and as consequence, the evaluation of the infesting population of the pest.

Insects and SARS-CoV-2: Analysis of the Potential Role of Vectors in European Countries.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for the pandemic that developed in China in late 2019. Transmission of the virus is predominantly direct, through exposure to infected respiratory secretions. As far as we know, arthropods play a key role in the transmission and spread of several viruses, and thus their role in the spread of COVID-19 deserves to be studied. The biological transmission of viral agents through insects is very complex. While mechanical transmission is more likely to happen, biological transmission is possible via blood-sucking arthropods, but this requires a high grade of compatibility between the vector and the pathogen. If the biological and mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by blood-sucking arthropods is excluded, a mechanical transmission by urban pests could take place. This risk is very low but it could be important in isolated environmental conditions, where other means of transmission are not possible. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in non-blood-sucking arthropods in infected buildings, like hospitals and retirement homes, should be investigated.

Micro- and mesozooplankton successions in an Antarctic coastal environment during a warm year.

The rapid increase in atmospheric temperature detected in the last decades in the Western Antarctic Peninsula was accompanied by a strong glacier retreat and an increase in production of melting water, as well as changes in the sea-ice dynamic. The objective of this study was to analyze the succession of micro- and mesozooplankton during a warm annual cycle (December 2010-December 2011) in an Antarctic coastal environment (Potter Cove). The biomass of zooplankton body size classes was used to predict predator-prey size relationships (i.e., to test bottom-up/top-down control effects) using a Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The micro- and mesozooplanktonic successions were graphically analyzed to detect the influence of environmental periods (defined by the degree of glacial melting, sea-ice freezing and sea-ice melting) on coupling/uncoupling planktonic biomass curves associated to possible predator-prey size relationship scenarios. At the beginning of the glacial melting, medium and large mesozooplankton (calanoid copepods, Euphausia superba, and Salpa thompsoni) exert a top-down control on Chl-a and microzooplankton. Stratification of the water column benefitted the availability of adequate food-size (Chl-a <20) for large microzooplankton (tintinnids) development observed during fall. High abundance of omnivores mesozooplankton (Oithona similis and furcilia of E. superba) during sea-ice freezing periods would be due to the presence of available heterotrophic food under or within the sea ice. Finally, the increase in microzooplankton abundance in the middle of spring, when sea-ice melting starts, corresponded to small and medium dinoflagellates and ciliates species, which were possibly part of the biota of sea ice. If glacier retreat continues and the duration and thickness of the sea ice layer fluctuates as predicted by climate models, our results predict a future scenario regarding the zooplankton succession in Antarctic coastal environments.

Biogeochemical markers across a pollution gradient in a Patagonian estuary: A multidimensional approach of fatty acids and stable isotopes.

A combined approach merging stable isotopes and fatty acids was applied to study anthropogenic pollution in the Río Negro estuary. Fatty acid markers of vegetal detritus indicated considerable allochthonous inputs at freshwater sites. Correlative evidence of diatom fatty acids, δ13C, chlorophyll and particulate organic matter suggested the importance of diatoms for the autochthonous organic matter production at the river mouth. Low δ15N values (~0‰) and high fatty acid 18:1(n-7) concentrations in the suspended particulate matter, in combination with the peaks of coliforms and ammonium, indicated a strong impact of untreated sewage discharge. The 15N depletion was related to oxygen-limited ammonification processes and incorporation of 15N depleted ammonium to microorganisms. This work demonstrates that the combined use of lipid and isotopic markers can greatly increase our understanding of biogeochemical factors and pollutants influencing estuaries, and our findings highlight the urgent need for water management actions to reduce eutrophication.

Use of anticoagulant rodenticides in outdoor urban areas: considerations and proposals for the protection of public health and non-target species.

Rodent control operations represent an important tool for the prevention and management of infestations, in outdoor environments, by synanthropic rodents (Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus), which are a source of economic and environmental damage with significant sanitary implications. Although the use of anticoagulants is safer to humans and pets compared to the use of acute poisoning substances, an intrinsic hazard of the active ingredients exists, i.e. the possible poisoning of non-target organisms (e.g., children, pets and wildlife) following exposure. The risks arising from the use of anticoagulants for rodent control operations in anthropic contexts can therefore only be mitigated by a proper selection of the active ingredient, bait formulation and administration techniques, since an active ingredient with selective action towards non-target species does not currently exist on the market. This document lists practical proposals aimed at reducing the possibility of toxic exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides and mitigate the toxicological risk of human baits and non-target species.

Preliminary considerations about the presence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse 1897) (Diptera: Culicidae) during winter in the Northwestern Italy.

Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, was unintentionally introduced in Italy at the beginning of the 1990s. In few decades it spread almost in the whole Country. In Piedmont, the first report dates back to 1994. Usually, temperate populations are affected by seasonal temperature and photoperiodicity and can overwinter by producing eggs that undergo a winter diapause. In Rome females of the species extended their trophic activity to the coldest months of the year, but there is no notice about a similar behaviour for northern areas of the Country. In our routine work, we often inspect residential and public buildings according to people requests due to the presence of annoying mosquitoes. During these inspections, we try to identify and solve the problem looking for adults and breeding sites of annoying species. Samples are conveniently collected and identified in the field or returning in the labs. We report seven cases of Ae. albopictus female trophic activity in both residential and public buildings, from November to March, in urban and rural areas in Piedmont, ranging between 44°33'11" N and 45°05'09" N. In one case, some larval breeding sites with a large number of larvae and pupae of this species were identified. Ae. albopictus can show trophic and reproductive activity during the winter in the northwestern Italy under favourable conditions. This evidence is of particular concern because of seasonality of Aedes mosquito-borne disease in returned travellers. Dengue, for example, has its higher morbidity in returned travellers from Caribbean and Central America typically during the winter period.

Ebola virus and arthropods: a literature review and entomological consideration on the vector role.

Ebola virus is a pathogen responsible for a severe disease that affects humans and several animal species. To date, the natural reservoir of this virus is not known with certainty, although it is believed that fruit bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) play an important role in maintaining the virus in nature. Although information on viral transmission from animals to humans is not clear, the role of arthropods has come under suspicion. In this article, we review the potential role of arthropods in spreading Ebola virus, acting as mechanical or biological vectors.

Trasplante de cabello en el liquen plano pilar / Hair transplant in lichen planopilaris

El liquen plano pilar es una variante clínica del liquen plano, que afecta al cuero cabelludo donde su estadio final provoca una alopecia cicatrizal, que se acompaña en general, de un gran impacto negativo en la calidad de vida del enfermo. Hasta la fecha existe una gran escasez de estudios publicados, que informen tratamientos quirúrgicos. OBJETIVO: se evalúa la eficacia del trasplante de cabello bajo la técnica FUE (extracción de unidades foliculares) y determinar directrices para óptimos resultados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: se presenta una mujer con LPP de siete años de evolución. Después de una biopsia de cuero cabelludo y una sesión terapéutica, se procedió a un trasplante. Fueron realizados controles fotográficos a los dos, cuatro y seis meses para determinar éxito-fracaso. RESULTADO: se observó un crecimiento de cabello a partir de los 2-3 meses, sin cicatrices visibles en el área donante. CONCLUSIÓN: la técnica FUE es un proceso bien tolerado y seguro para mejorar la pérdida de cabello en un LPP, que histológicamente muestra una falta de inflamación (estadio cicatrizal). Esta técnica merece en nuestra opinión, más estudios a futuro.

BACKGROUND: lichen planopilar is a clinical variant of lichen planus, which affects the scalp and in the final stage which causes scarring alopecia, entailing a significant impact on quality of life. To date no shortage of published studies reporting surgical treatments. OBJECTIVE: effectiveness on hair transplant FUE technique and determine guidelines for optimum results is evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: a woman with LLP seven years of evolution is presented. After scalp biopsy and a therapeutic meeting, he underwent a transplant. Photographic controls the 2.4 and six months were performed to determine success. RESULT: hair growth was observed after 2-3 months without visible scars in the donor area. CONCLUSION: technique FUE was a well tolerated and safe process to improve hair loss in LPP histologically shows a lack of inflammation (scarring stage).

Microplankton dynamics under heavy anthropogenic pressure. The case of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Quantifying biotic feedbacks in response to environmental signals is fundamental to assess ecosystem perturbation. We analyzed the joint effects of eutrophication, derived from sewage pollution, and climate at the base of the pelagic food web in the Bahía Blanca Estuary (SW Atlantic Ocean). A two-year survey of environmental conditions and microplankton communities was conducted in two sites affected by contrasting anthropogenic eutrophication conditions. Under severe eutrophication, we found higher phytoplankton abundance consistently dominated by smaller sized, non siliceous species, while microzooplankton abundance remained lower and nutrient stoichiometry showed conspicuous deviations from the Redfield ratio. Phytoplankton growth in such conditions appeared controlled by phosphorous. In turn, microplankton biomass and phytoplankton size ratio (<20µm:>20µm) displayed a saturation relationship with nutrients in the highly eutrophic area, although mean phytoplankton growth was similar in both eutrophic systems. The strength of links within the estuarine network, quantified through path analysis, showed enhanced relationships under larger anthropogenic eutrophication, which fostered the climate influence on microplankton communities. Our results show conspicuous effects of severe sewage pollution on the ecological stoichiometry, i.e., N and P excess with respect to Si, altering nutrient ratios for microplankton communities. This warns on wide consequences on food web dynamics and ultimately in ecosystem assets of coastal pelagic environments.

Papulosis linfomatoide / Lymphomatoid papulosis

Comunicamos el caso de una papulosis linfomatoide en una mujer de 38 años, el tipo histológico es B. Efectuamos una revisión de la entidad y sus interrogantes aún no resueltos. Se reivindica a su descubridor y el nombre inicial de su enfermedad: Warren L Macaulay y erupción rítmica paradojal, respectivamente.

A 38 years-old woman with a type B of lymphomatoid papulosis, is reported. A review of this peculiar disease and its unresolved questions is made. We make tribute to the dermatologist who described the disease and the initial name: Warren L. Macaulay and rhythmic paradoxical eruption, respectively.

Papulosis linfomatoide / Lymphomatoid papulosis

Comunicamos el caso de una papulosis linfomatoide en una mujer de 38 años, el tipo histológico es B. Efectuamos una revisión de la entidad y sus interrogantes aún no resueltos. Se reivindica a su descubridor y el nombre inicial de su enfermedad: Warren L Macaulay y erupción rítmica paradojal, respectivamente.

A 38 years-old woman with a type B of lymphomatoid papulosis, is reported. A review of this peculiar disease and its unresolved questions is made. We make tribute to the dermatologist who described the disease and the initial name: Warren L. Macaulay and rhythmic paradoxical eruption, respectively.

Piloleiomiomas múltiples / Multiple piloleyomiomas

Los leiomiomas son tumores infrecuentes, los piloleiomiomas son el tipo clínico más común y puede ser solitario o múltiple; este último puede ser esporádico o familiar. Presentamos un caso clínico de piloleiomiomas múltiples en dorso, en un paciente joven, a quien se le realizaron estudios para descartar una patología asociada.

Leiomyomas are rare tumors, piloleiomyomas are the most common clinical type and can be solitary or multiple which can be sporadic or familial. We report a case of multiple piloleiomyomas in the back of a young patient, in which studies were performed to rule out pathology associated.

Pioderma gangrenoso extendido asociado a enfermedad de Crohn tratada con adalimumab / Disseminated pyoderma gangrenosum associated to Crohn disease treated with adalimumab

Comunicamos un caso de pioderma gangrenoso extendido, en una paciente que padece una enfermedad de Crohn y se encontraba bajo tratamiento de la misma con un anti TNF: el adalimumab. La respuesta a la meprednisona fue satisfactoria.

56-years old woman who suffer a Crohn disease and had have treated with adalimumab, developed a disseminated and severe pyoderma gangrenosum. The response to meprednisona in standard doses was good. The ulcers and enteric-cutaneous fistulae cured.

Mesozooplankton assemblages and their relationship with environmental variables: a study case in a disturbed bay (Beagle Channel, Argentina).

This study focused on the seasonal and spatial analysis of the mesozooplankton community in a human-impacted subantarctic bay in Argentina and aimed to detect assemblages associated with environmental variability. Mesozooplankton samples and environmental data were obtained in the Ushuaia Bay (UB) seasonally, from August 2004 to June 2005, and spatially, from coastal (more polluted), middle (less influenced) and open sea water (free polluted) sampling stations. Remarkable seasonal changes on the mesozooplankton community were observed. Nitrogenated nutrients, chlorophyll a, salinity and temperature were the prevailing environmental conditions likely associated with the different mesozooplankton assemblages found in the bay. The copepods Eurytemora americana, Acartia tonsa, Podon leuckarti and Nematoda were particularly observed on the northwest coast of the bay, characterized by the highest level of urban pollution, eutrophicated by sewage and freshwater inputs from the Encerrada Bay which is connected to it. The stations situated in the northeast area, mostly influenced by freshwater input from rivers and glacier melting, showed low mesozooplankton abundances and an important contribution of adventitious plankton. The copepods Ctenocalanus citer, Clausocalanus brevipes and Drepanopus forcipatus were mostly observed at the stations located near the Beagle Channel, characterized by open sea and free polluted waters. Our findings suggest that the variations observed in the mesozooplankton assemblages in the UB seem to be modulated by environmental variables associated with the anthropogenic influence, clearly detected on the coast of the bay. Certain opportunistic species such as A. tonsa and E. americana could be postulated as potential bioindicators of water quality in subantarctic coastal ecosystems.

Eritema indurado de Bazin-vasculitis nodular / Erythema induratum of Bazin-nodular vasculitis

Comunicamos un caso de eritema indurado de Bazin-vasculitis nodular en una mujer de 22 años, con una reacción fuertemente positiva al test de la tuberculina, lesiones ulceradas y una buena respuesta a la terapia anti tuberculosa hasta el momento. Se discute la ubicación nosológica de esta entidad y se enfatiza sobre la necesidad de una biopsia amplia adecuada.

A 22-old woman with an erythema induratum de Bazin-nodular vasculitis was reported, the tuberculin test was strongly positive measuring 17 mm of diameter. The patient had indolent ulcerated lesions, the therapy with four anti-tuberculous drugs results effective until now. The existence of the entity as unique or not as well the need of a wide biopsy is discussed.

Pioderma gangrenoso vulvar / Vulvar pyoderma gangrenosum

Comunicamos un caso de pioderma gangrenoso de localización vulvar, en una mujer de 45 años, correspondiendo a una variante clásica (ulcerosa) idiomática, hasta la fecha.

We report a case of vulvar location pyoderma gangrenosum, in a 45 years-old woman, corresponding to a classical variant (ulcerous) idiopathic, to date.

Nosocomial myiasis in a patient with diabetes.

This report describes a case of nosocomial myiasis caused by larvae of Sarcophaga (Bercaea) africa. The parasitosis developed in an ulcer on the heel of a patient with type 2 diabetes. The ulcer was dressed when the deposition occurred. An experiment was performed in order to demonstrate the ability of Sarcophaga larvae to move through bandages and reach purulent wounds. This report highlights the need for particular attention, education and specific protocols in hospitals in order to avoid myiasis, which can compromise the organization's reputation for hygienic standards with possible legal consequences.

Dermatosis caused by Corythuca ciliata (Say, 1932) (Heteroptera, Tingidae). diagnostic and clinical aspects of an unrecognized pseudoparasitosis.

The present article discusses three cases of human infestation by Corythuca ciliata (Lace bugs), a parasite of plane trees. The cases were all in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy and the symptoms involved a large number of hives on the subjects' bodies which were scarcely or not at all itchy and which spontaneously cleared up in all the cases in less than 24 hours. It can be concluded that the Lace bug can be an agent of insect-caused dermatosis and this should be considered in examining subjects who visit or live near wooded areas which are infested.

Melanoma "in situ" tratado con Imiquimod / Melanoma in situ treated with Imiquimod

Comunicamos un caso con dos melanomas "in situ", en un varón de 86 años, localizados en ambos lados de la cara con alto riesgo quirúrgico, quien fuera tratado con imiquimod al 5% una vez al día durante dos meses; los resultados hasta el momento, clínicos e histológicos han sido satisfactorios.

A 86 years-old man with two melanomas "in situ" at both sides of his face, treated with imiquimod 5% are presented. The patient has a cardiovascular high risk due to isquemic heart disease, for that reason we start the treatment with imiquimod once a day for two months. The clinical and histological response was good and a follow up will be as long as we can.

Nevos de tejido conectivo / Connective tissue nevi

Comunicamos dos casos de nevo del tejido conectivo, el primero con patrón histológico mixto y el segundo con predominio de alteraciones en las fibras elásticas. No se constataron síndromes ni patología sistémica asociada. Un caso presentó disposición linear y un nevo acrómico asociado.

Two cases of connective tissue nevi are reported, one of them with a mixed histopatologic pattern and one with elastin fibers diminished. None of the patients had systemic involvement or associated syndromes. The mixed connective tissue nevi type showed a linear distribution and has associated an acromic nevi.