Rearranging and completing the puzzle: Phylogenomic analysis of bark beetles Dendroctonus reveals new hypotheses about genus diversification.

Studies carried out on bark beetles within Dendroctonus have been extensive and revealed diverse information in different areas of their natural history, taxonomy, evolution, and interactions, among others. Despite these efforts, phylogenetic hypotheses have remained obscured mainly due to limited information analyzed (taxonomic, gene sampling, or both) in studies focused on obtaining evolutionary hypotheses for this genus. With the aim of filling these gaps in the evolutionary history for Dendroctonus, we analyzed ∼1800 loci mapped to a reference genome obtained for 20 of the 21 species recognized to date, minimizing the impact of missing information and improving the assumption of orthology in a phylogenomic framework. We obtained congruent phylogenetic topologies from two phylogenomic inference strategies: loci concatenation (ML framework) and a multispecies coalescent model (MSC) through the analysis of site pattern frequencies (SNPs). Dendroctonus is composed of two major clades (A and B), each containing five and four subclades, respectively. According to our divergence dating analysis, the MRCA for Dendroctonus dates back to the early Eocene, while the MRCA for each major clade diverged in the mid-Eocene. Interestingly, most of the speciation events of extant species occurred during the Miocene, which could be correlated with the diversification of pine trees (Pinus). The MRCA for Dendroctonus inhabited large regions of North America, with all ancestors and descendants of clade A having diversified within this region. The Mexican Transition Zone is important in the diversification processes for the majority of clade A species. For clade B, we identified two important colonization events to the Old World from America: the first in the early Oligocene from the Arctic to Asia (via Beringia), and the second during the Miocene from the Arctic-Western-Alleghany region to Europe and Siberia (also via Beringia). Our genomic analyses also supported the existence of hidden structured lineages within the frontalis complex, and also that D. beckeri represent a lineage independent from D. valens, as previously suggested. The information presented here updates the knowledge concerning the diversification of a genus with remarkable ecological and economic importance.

Immature stages of Phloeosinus tacubayae (Curculionidae: Scolytinae): morphology and chaetotaxy of larva and pupa, sexual dimorphism of adults, and developmental time.

The current knowledge of morphology and chaetotaxy of the different developmental stages within the subfamily Scolytinae presents an information deficit that needs to be addressed. Thus, the objective of the present study was to describe, the chaetotaxy and morphology of larvae and pupae, and determine the number of larval instars, the sexual dimorphism in adults, and the development time in Phloeosinus tacubayae. The number of larval instars was determined using traditional morphometry of cephalic capsule and multivariate analysis; description of morphology and chaetotaxy of larvae and pupae, and sexual dimorphism in adults was based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy photographs; finally, we quantified development time by mean reviews of 10 gallery systems selected randomly in infested logs, in the laboratory. Morphometric analysis of the cephalic capsule allowed the recognition of 3 different instars. Our results showed that the larvae of P. tacubayae have unique attributes in the body that differentiate them from other genera of the subfamily for example the epicranial suture is not marked, and differentiated from Phloeosinus canadensis, such as a smaller number of setae in the maxillae and without a tergal plate. The pupa had a smaller number of setae on the whole body. The most useful morphological characters to identify a sexual dimorphism in adults were found in the shape and relative position of the seventh and eighth tergites; development time lasted 40 days in total, being the pupal stage the one that took the longest to complete.

Illustrated Key to Species of Genus Dendroctonus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Occurring in Mexico and Central America.

We provide an illustrated key of species of Dendroctonus Erichson from Mexico and Central America based on characters of the male genitalia and external morphology. The key incorporates newly identified diagnostic characters for this genus that enhance discrimination of particularly difficult sibling species.

More than 80 years without new taxa: analysis of morphological variation among members of Mexican Aeneolamia Fennah (Hemiptera, Cercopidae) support a new species in the genus.

The genus Aeneolamia includes eight described species and 32 subspecies widely distributed in America. In Mexico, two species (A.contigua and A.albofasciata) and one subspecies (A.contiguacampecheana) are recognized. In a recent study of Cercopidae in Mexico, a new species of Aeneolamia was noted from Oaxaca, Mexico based on body color and the ornamentation patterns of tegmen, without a formal taxonomic description. To test the hypothesis of an extant new taxon within the genus a comprehensive analysis of intraspecific morphological variation from 46 morphological features was performed, four related to tegmen color patterns in both sexes, six to male genitalia, and 36 continuous characters measured in specimens of both sexes of Mexican Aeneolamia from several geographical localities using traditional univariate, multivariate morphometric, and geometric morphometric methods. This is the first time that this approach has been used in Cercopidae. Aeneolamiadanpecki Castro, Armendáriz & Utrera, sp. nov. from Oaxaca showed pronounced morphological differences in tegmen coloration patterns, the shape of different elements of the male genitalia, and body measurements compared to the other Mexican members of Aeneolamia; therefore, it is described as a new species.

Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of the bark beetle Dendroctonus rhizophagus to volatiles from host pines and conspecifics.

The bark beetle Dendroctonus rhizophagus is endemic to northwestern Mexico where it kills immature pines < 3 m tall. We report the first investigation of the chemical ecology of this pest of forest regeneration. We used GC-EAD to assess olfactory sensitivity of this species to volatile compounds from: resin of a major host, Pinus arizonica; mid/hindguts of single, gallery-initiating females; and mate-paired males within galleries of attacked host trees in the field. Antennae of both sexes responded to monoterpenes α-pinene, ß-pinene and 3-carene as well as to the beetle-derived oxygenated monoterpenes fenchyl alcohol, myrtenal, cis-verbenol, trans-verbenol, verbenone, and myrtenol. These monoterpenes were quantified from pre-emerged D. rhizophagus adults forced to attack host tissue in the laboratory, and from individuals dissected from naturally-attacked hosts at different stages of colonization. In both bioassays, myrtenol and trans-verbenol were the most abundant volatiles, and trans-verbenol was the only one produced in significantly greater quantities by females than males in a naturally-colonized host. Two field experiments were performed to evaluate behavioral responses of D. rhizophagus to antennally-active monoterpenes. Results show that 3-carene was significantly attractive either alone or in a ternary (1:1:1) combination with α-pinene and ß-pinene, whereas neither α-pinene nor ß-pinene alone were attractive. None of the beetle-associated oxygenated monoterpenes enhanced the attractiveness of the ternary mixture of monoterpenes, while verbenone either alone or combined with the other five oxygenated terpenes reduced D. rhizophagus attraction to the ternary mixture. The results suggest that attraction of D. rhizophagus to the host tree P. arizonica is mediated especially by 3-carene. There was no conclusive evidence for an aggregation or sex attractant pheromone.

Etiologic spectrum and clinical features of mitral regurgitation in a Spanish population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to investigate the etiologic spectrum of at least moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients at a tertiary care center in a Spanish region. METHODS: All patients referred for echocardiography with moderate or severe MR, assessed according to the guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography, were included prospectively in the study. RESULTS: Between October 2006 and February 2008, a total of 276 patients (157 females, 119 males; mean age 61 +/- 20 years) were enrolled into the study. At the time of evaluation, 67% of the patients were outpatients and the remainder were hospitalized. The NYHA functional class was III-IV in 31% of patients. The main echocardiographic data were: color flow jet area 11 +/- 5 cm2, vena contracta 6.7 +/- 1.9 mm, effective regurgitant orifice area 0.46 +/- 0.28 cm2, left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameters 58 +/- 10 mm and 39 +/- 12 mm, respectively, left ventricular ejection fraction 0.55 +/- 0.19, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure 39 +/- 16 mmHg. The MR was degenerative in 42% of patients, rheumatic in 22%, functional due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in 18%, functional due to ischemic cardiomyopathy in 7%, congenital in 7%, and had other causes in 4%. CONCLUSION: Among this Spanish population, the majority of the moderate or severe MR encountered was organic, with degenerative mitral disease as the most common etiology. Functional regurgitation was present in a significant proportion of patients, with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy being the most frequent cause.

An electrocardiographic sign of tumor invasion of the myocardium.

Lung cancer is one of the most common neoplasms associated with cardiac metastasis, and the pericardium is often affected. However, isolated myocardial involvement in these patients is very uncommon. Most tumor invasions into the heart are nonspecific and clinically silent. Myocardial metastasis rarely mimics an acute myocardial infarction. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with a metastatic lung cancer into the myocardium mimicking an acute myocardial infarction.

Large Mass in Left Atrium by Transesophageal Echocardiography: An Unusual Case of Cardiac Angiosarcoma Mimicking a Cystic Mass.

Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare. Among them, malignant tumors constitute approximately 15% of primary cardiac tumors. Angiosarcomas are the most frequent. They often appear as mural masses in the right atrium and completely replace the atrial wall and fill the entire cardiac chamber. We report an unusual case of angiosarcoma in a 75-year-old woman with a cystic appearance, located in the left atrium and causing critical mitral stenosis. (Echocardiography, ****;**:E1-E2).

Biology and Life Stages of Pine Spittle Bug Ocoaxo assimilis Walker (Hemiptera: Cercopidae).

The first records of outbreaks of the Pine Spittle bug Ocoaxo assimilis Walker were recently identified from Puebla, Mexico, which promoted more than 2600 ha of forest foliar fall. Beyond the taxonomic and distribution information of this species, the basic traits of its biology remain unknown. This study aims to describe some biological aspects of O. assimilis, in a natural pine forest at Nicolás Bravo, Puebla (NB). Using morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of a fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I mtDNA (COI), immature instars with adults were studied; the instar number was determined by means of a multivariate analysis of 19 morphological characteristics of 121 specimens. The systematic sampling to evaluate the occurrence of nymphal specimens during a year, plus host selection experiments, allowed for determination of the abundance over time, voltism, and host preferences. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI supported that both nymphs and adults collected in NB correspond to O. assimilis. Principal coordinate analysis supported the existence of five nymphal stages. Field sampling and host selection experiments indicated that this species displays a single generation per year, is associated with the rainy season, and that specimens from the three first nymphal stages feed on roots of eight host species (one grass, four herbaceous species, one bush, and two trees). From the fourth instar, the insects feed on pine roots to complete their development, and when they are adults, they migrate to needles of young or mature pine stands of Pinus pseudostrobus to feed and reproduce.

Cryptic Species Discrimination in Western Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Based on Morphological Characters and Geometric Morphometrics.

The western pine beetle (WPB), Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, is a major mortality agent of pines in North America. A total of 706 adults of WPB from 81 geographical sites were analyzed with traditional and geometric morphometric methods to evaluate the variation of discrete and quantitative morphological characters with particular attention to the antenna, spermatheca, and seminal rod. Principal coordinates and canonical variate analyses supported three geographical groups in WPB: (1) West, from British Columbia to southern California along the Pacific coast, Idaho, and Montana; (2) East-SMOC, including Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Chihuahua, and Durango; and (3) SMOR, including Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. The pubescence length on the elytral declivity was a robust character for separating West specimens from the other groups. Additionally, the genitalia shape both female and male in dorsal view was a reliable character for discriminating among groups. Based on these results, which agree with genetic and chemical ecology evidence, we herein reinstate Dendroctonus barberi Hopkins (East-SMOC group) and remove it from synonymy with D. brevicomis (West group). Differences in the spermatheca and seminal rod shape of SMOR specimens suggest that these populations might be a different species from D. barberi and D. brevicomis.

Morbillivirus and pilot whale deaths, Mediterranean Sea.

An outbreak of a lethal morbillivirus infection of long-finned pilot whales occurred in the Mediterranean Sea from the end of October 2006 through April 2007. Sequence analysis of a 426-bp conserved fragment of the morbillivirus phosphoprotein gene indicates that the virus is more closely related to dolphin morbillivirus than to pilot whale morbillivirus.

Coronary bifurcation lesions treated with simple approach (from the Cordoba & Las Palmas [CORPAL] Kiss Trial).

The present report compared the incidence of 1-year clinical events in patients with bifurcation lesions that had been treated with a simple approach who were randomized to either a simultaneous final kissing balloon (KB) or an isolated side-branch (SB) balloon post-dilation. From February 2007 to December 2008, 293 patients with all types of Medina bifurcation lesions were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients underwent implantation of a sirolimus- or everolimus-eluting stent across the bifurcation and provisional SB stenting. Patients with no SB ostial compromise or those needing a second stent were excluded from the present study (n = 49). The eligible patients were randomly assigned to treatment with final KB inflation (n = 124, KB group) or isolated balloon after dilation (n = 120, non-KB group). No significant differences were found between the patients from the KB and non-KB groups in terms of age, risk factors, clinical status, or location of the bifurcation lesions. The angiographic data and immediate results were also similar in both groups. Four patients experienced a non-Q-wave acute myocardial infarction in the hospital: three (2%) from the KB group and one (1%) from the non-KB group. Two in-hospital deaths occurred in the non-KB group. Target lesion revascularization was required in 7 patients (3%): 5 from the KB group and 2 from the non-KB group. Late mortality occurred in 3 patients from the KB group and 2 patients from the non-KB group. The incidence of major events at 1 year (death, target lesion revascularization, or acute myocardial infarction) was similar in both groups: 11 (9%) from the KB group and 7 (6%) from the non-KB group (p = NS). In conclusion, no differences in the clinical outcome at 1 year of follow-up were observed between the patients with bifurcation lesions treated with a simple approach and either a simultaneous final KB or an isolated SB balloon post-dilation.

Prevalence of patent foramen ovale determined by transesophageal echocardiography in patients with cryptogenic stroke aged 55 years or older. Same as younger patients?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke in patients aged > or =55 years. METHODS: This prospective study determined the presence of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm using transesophageal echocardiography in 262 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of probable cryptogenic stroke. Data from 44 patients aged > or =55 years with cryptogenic stroke (Group A) were compared with those from two other groups: 194 patients aged <55 years with cryptogenic stroke (Group B) and 24 control patients aged > or =55 years with stroke of known origin, namely grade III-V aortic atheromatosis (Group C). RESULTS: The frequency of patent foramen ovale in Group A was similar to that in Group B (38% vs. 36%; P=.85) but significantly higher than that in Group C (38% vs. 8%; P=.029). The frequency of patent foramen ovale with concomitant atrial septal aneurysm was significantly higher in the study group (Group A) than in the control Group C (18% vs. 0; P=.039) and non-significantly higher than in Group B (18% vs. 11%; P=.11). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of patent foramen ovale alone or in association with atrial septal aneurysm in patients with cryptogenic stroke aged > or =55 years was similar to that in those aged <55 years, but higher than that in patients aged > or =55 years with stroke of atherosclerotic origin. These data suggest that paradoxical embolism could be a cause of stroke in both age groups.

Cicatrices mesocárdicas como sustrato de taquicardia ventricular en pacientes con tamaño y función ventricular normales / Mesocardiac scars as the substrate of ventricular tachycardia in patients with normal ventricular size and function

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Cuerpo extraño intracardiaco y algo más / An intracardiac foreign body, and a few more

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Prevalencia de foramen oval permeable diagnosticado mediante ecocardiografía transesofágica en pacientes de edad igual o mayor que 55 años con ictus criptogénico. ¿Es diferente que en pacientes jóvenes? / Prevalence of patent foramen ovale determined by transesophageal echocardiography in patients with cryptogenic stroke aged 55 years or older. Same as younger patients?

Introducción y objetivos. El propósito de este estudio es analizar la relación entre foramen oval permeable e ictus criptogénico en pacientes de edad ≥ 55 años. Métodos. Se estudió de forma prospectiva la presencia de foramen oval permeable y aneurisma del septo interauricular en 262 pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de probable ictus criptogénico mediante ecocardiografía transesofágica. Comparamos los datos de 44 pacientes de edad ≥ 55 años con ictus criptogénico (grupo A de estudio) con otros 2 grupos: 194 menores de 55 años con ictus criptogénico (grupo B) y 24 de un grupo control de 55 años o más con ictus de origen conocido (ateromatosis aórtica de grado II-III) (grupo C). Resultados. La frecuencia de foramen oval permeable fue similar en el grupo A y B (el 38 frente al 36%; p = 0,85) y significativamente mayor que en el grupo C (el 38 frente al 8%; p = 0,029). La frecuencia de foramen oval permeable más aneurisma del septo interauricular concomitante fue más alta en el grupo de estudio (A) que en el grupo control (C) (el 18% frente a 0; p = 0,039) y más alta, pero sin significación, que en el grupo B (el 18 frente al 11%; p = 0,11). Conclusiones. La frecuencia de foramen oval permeable, tanto aislado como con aneurisma del septo interauricular, es similar en pacientes con ictus criptogénico de edad ≥ 55 años y en aquellos menores de 55 años, y más alta que en los pacientes con 55 años o más con ictus de origen arteriosclerótico. Estos datos indican que la embolia paradójica parece ser el mecanismo del ictus en ambos grupos de pacientes (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To investigate the relationship between patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke in patients aged ≥55 years. Methods. This prospective study determined the presence of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm using transesophageal echocardiography in 262 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of probable cryptogenic stroke. Data from 44 patients aged ≥55 years with cryptogenic stroke (Group A) were compared with those from two other groups: 194 patients aged <55 years with cryptogenic stroke (Group B) and 24 control patients aged ≥55 years with stroke of known origin, namely grade III–V aortic atheromatosis (Group C). Results. The frequency of patent foramen ovale in Group A was similar to that in Group B (38% vs. 36%; P=.85) but significantly higher than that in Group C (38% vs. 8%; P=.029). The frequency of patent foramen ovale with concomitant atrial septal aneurysm was significantly higher in the study group (Group A) than in the control Group C (18% vs. 0; P=.039) and non-significantly higher than in Group B (18% vs. 11%; P=.11). Conclusions. The frequency of patent foramen ovale alone or in association with atrial septal aneurysm in patients with cryptogenic stroke aged ≥55 years was similar to that in those aged <55 years, but higher than that in patients aged ≥55 years with stroke of atherosclerotic origin. These data suggest that paradoxical embolism could be a cause of stroke in both age groups (AU)

Hipertensión arterial, cardiopatía hipertensiva e insuficiencia cardíaca. Papel de los diuréticos de asa / No disponible

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