Slide Mounts Research Articles

Description of fundatrix and sexual morphs of the Asian apricot aphid, Myzus mumecola (Matsumura, 1917) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Fundatrix and sexual morphs of the Asian apricot aphid, Myzus (Myzus) mumecola (Matsumura, 1917) are described from Serbia with original, clarified slide mounts, and illustrations. The morphological identification of sexual morphs was corroborated through COI barcode sequence analysis. The subgeneric position of this species is discussed and the transfer to subgenus Nectarosiphon is proposed.

Shedding Light on the Shadows: Hidden Diversity in the Italian Embioptera.

In order to better understand the differences at the species level in webspinners (Embioptera), the authors applied a different approach rather than the usual slide mounting, which has been traditionally used in the study of these insects. The dissection of the male terminalia, besides avoiding the limits of definitive preparations, which prevent a complete comparison of the type material, allowed a complete understanding and comparison of these three-dimensional structures. This new method, which does not necessarily exclude the previous approach, allowed the authors to identify and describe three new species in Italy: from Tuscany (Embia specolensis sp. nov.), Ventotene Island (Embia pandateriensis sp. nov.), and Calabria (Embia brutia sp. nov.). Moreover, this charts a new path in the study of these interesting insects, which have so far been largely neglected. In addition to several new records resulting from the revision of some collections, this contribution provides an updated checklist and a provisional key for the Italian Embioptera.

Protocolo de recolecta y tinción para el estudio taxonómico de los policládidos (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida)

The taxonomic study of polyclads (order Polycladida) dates back to the 19th century. The traditional taxonomy of these organisms requires a combination of the external and internal morphology of the body and the hermaphroditic reproductive system, where the histological techni que is an indispensable tool that plays a key role in this process. This protocol covers the collection processes up to the preparation of the specimens for histological analysis,adapting and improving techniques previously established by other authors for clear and precise visualization of the anatomical structures. Specimens are collected manually using fine paintbrush, photographed dorsally and ventrally, fixed in 10% frozen formalin neutralized with sodium borate and preserved in 70° ethanol. For taxonomic classification, complete mounts of the organisms and sagittal sections of the hermaphroditic reproductive system are used; a five-step histological protocol including hydration, staining, dehydration/differentiation, cleaning/transparency, and slide mounting is performed for each. This standardized technique complements morphological and taxonomic studies of the taxon.

A photographic key to the adult female biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) of Florida, USA

The biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) are a diverse group of blood-feeding flies that includes numerous pest and vector species. Major gaps exist in our knowledge of the biology and ecology of the majority of Culicoides spp., due in part to a lack of keys for identifying the biting midges of a given region. In Florida, USA, The Sand Flies of Florida (Blanton and Wirth, 1979) has been a foundational resource for biting midge identification since its publication. The identification keys to the 47 biting midge species (and one subspecies) in The Sand Flies of Florida are not illustrated, however, and frequently rely upon microscopic features (spermathecae, antennal sensory pattern, number of teeth on mandible) as discriminating characters. Here we provide an updated photographic key to 49 nominal species of Culicoides from Florida, USA. The revised key orders characters so that species of nuisance, medical or veterinary importance can be reliably identified without slide mounting, an aspect that should facilitate ecological field work. Synoptic tables summarize the taxonomic affinity, distribution, abundance, seasonality, and medical / veterinary importance of the Culicoides spp. from Florida, compiled from published sources.

First record of the glasshouse leafhopper, Hauptidia maroccana (Melichar, 1907) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), from Jordan

AbstractThe glasshouse leafhopper, Hauptidia maroccana (Melichar, 1907), is recorded for the first time in Jordan. It was found infesting basil, tomato, pepper, peppermint, celery and parsley plants in ‘Ammān in October 2023. Adult genitalia slide mounts were prepared and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insects Museum. Original images for nymph, adult male and female genitalia, and distribution data, are provided.

Blocking TXNIP reduced IL-1β Induced chondrocyte cell inflammation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in the elderly and is characterized by progressive and irreversible degeneration of articular cartilage, particularly cartilage loss and callus formation. This study would like to investigate the important role and the molecular mechanism of OA progression following interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-induced chondrocyte injury regulated by TXNIP. In this study, high-purity mouse chondrocytes were obtained by enzymatic two-step digestion for primary culture. Toluidine blue staining and type II collagen immunofluorescence were used to identify cells through histochemical staining after slide mounting. The relative expression of TXNIP was detected by immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR.Aiming at the shRNA sequence of the TXNIP gene, the shRNA expression vector was constructed and packaged with lentivirus to form the lentiviral vector shTXNIP. After inhibiting the expression of TXNIP by transfecting shTXNIP into normal mouse chondrocytes, the CCK-8 kit was used for detecting its effect on cell proliferation after transfection, and the effect on chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The staining kit was used to detect the effect of TXNIP knockout on chondrocyte aging, and the differential expression of TNF, IL-6, MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS-5 and type II collagen genes in chondrocytes was detected by RT-PCR and Western-bolt. Western blot was used to detect the expression of upstream-related protein P-ERK, downstream-related protein NLRP3 and Caspase1 after inflammatory injury of mouse articular chondrocytes. Results showed that the expression level of TXNIP in chondrocytes induced by different concentrations of il-1β was proportional to the concentration. After silencing TXNIP by shRNA, cell proliferation increased, chondrocyte apoptosis was weakened, and chondrocyte aging was weakened. The differential expression of genes such as TNF, IL-6, MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS-5 and type II collagen and the differential expression of protein levels were relatively decreased. In addition, the expression of the upstream-related protein P-ERK did not change much when TXNIP was silenced, and the expression levels of the downstream-related proteins NLRP3 and Caspase1 were slightly reduced. In conclusion, silencing TXNIP can inhibit il-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and aging, and has a positive effect on cell proliferation. However, this study has not clarified the molecular mechanism involved in TXNIP and the process of its signaling expression pathway.

First record of Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Costa Rica, a scale insect affecting mango (Mangifera indica) in Alajuela urban environments

Introduction. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is widely cultivated around the world and in Costa Rica nearly 8200 hectares are dedicated to the production of this crop. More than 400 species of phytophagous insects and mites have been reported on mango worldwide. Among them are around 73 species of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), of which Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead is one of the most serious pests of mangos in many parts of the world. Objective. In the present work, we report for the first time the occurrence in Costa Rica of the white mango scale, A. tubercularis. Materials and methods. Mango tree samples were collected in San Rafael, a town located in the central canton of Alajuela province in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica. Insects found on leaves were examined under a stereomicroscope, counted and classified according to the condition of their wax covers, which provided evidence of activity by natural enemies. Slide mounts of adult females were prepared and examined under a light microscope. Results. The armored scale was identified as A. tubercularis and the frequency of occurrence on the mango trees sampled was 90%, where 12% of adult females showed evidence of predation and 2.5% showed evidence of parasitization. Conclusion. A. tubercularis was recorded for the first time in Costa Rica. Further investigations on the population dynamics and natural enemies are needed to provide useful information in order to implement adequate control strategies.

Preliminary results of the scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorryncha) exploration from West Halmahera, in the Eastern Weber line of Wallacea

Exploration of scale insects was done in West Halmahera, North Maluku, from May to June 2022 using purposive sampling as many 7,261 individual scale insects, which consist of six families, were collected. Basic information was recorded, such as pictures of insects, host plants, and GPS coordinates. Identification to species level is still ongoing by morphological characters using slide mounting specimens and the mtCO-I DNA sequencing. It is expected to have several new reports on insect species, host plants, and possibly new species. The information will enrich the record of fauna diversity in Indonesia and be useful for agriculture, especially in pest management.

Retraction: An Eocene army ant

Retraction: An Eocene army ant

MORPHOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF THE SKIN GRANULATION TISSUE IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS OF THE ABDOMINAL ORGANS.

The aim: To examine morphological peculiarities of the skin granulation tissue from the laparotomy wound in patients with malignant neoplasms of the abdominal organs. Materials and methods: 36 bodies of deceased people were examined after midline laparotomy performed for surgical treatment of diseases of the abdominal organs. The main group included 22 bodies of deceased people suffering from malignant neoplasms of the abdominal organs, mostly in ІІІ-IV stages of diseases. The group of comparison included 14 bodies of deceased individuals suffering from acute surgical diseases of the abdominal organs. An average length of the laparotomy wound was 24,5 ± 0,28 cm. An average distance from the reticular elements to the external border of the granulation tissue was measured by means of computed histometry (mcm), the optical density (OD) of staining of the collagen fibers was determined by means of computed microdencitometry (expressed in OD absorbance coefficient - the absorbance of the solution per unit length per mole of solute), the specific volume of the blood vessels in the granulation tissue - by means of computed histostereometry (%), the granulation tissue cells were calculated by means of the score test (within eyeshot 10000 mcm2). The specimens were stained with hematoxylin, eosin and methylene blue/Chromotrop 2B. Results: The obtained results of the investigation conducted are indicative of more prominent chromotropic properties in the samples of the main group, confirming certain biochemical changes and features of the collagen fibers respectively. Moreover, slide mounts of the main group possess reliably lower optic density of staining of the collagen fibers which is indicative of their slow formation. It may suggest a reduced solidity of the postoperative scar on the laparotomy wound skin promoting easier wound disruption, that is, occurrence of subcutaneous eventration in patients with malignant neoplasms of the abdominal organs. Conclusions: Oncological process in the body results in the aggravation of swelling and chromotropophilia in the deep layers of derma during more remote terms after surgery and reduced optic density of the collagen fibers staining, which promotes easier laparotomy wound disruption and occurrence of true postoperative eventration.

Three new species of the genus Xenolecanium Takahasi (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae), with an updated generic diagnosis and key to species

Among the scale insect slide mounts deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, U.K. are several that were originally collected by the late Ryoichi Takahashi. These include slides of three previously undescribed species of Xenolecanium (Coccidae: Coccomorpha), each given a manuscript name by Takahashi. These species are here formally described and illustrated: X. ryoichii Hodgson sp. nov., X. maritimum Hodgson sp. nov. and X. pendleburyi Hodgson sp. nov. A revised generic diagnosis and a key to the five species now known in Xenolecanium is included.

In memory of Gary Bauchan: Utilizing an integrated taxonomy approach for the description of a new species of Gamasellodes (Mesostigmata: Ascidae)

Gamasellodes garybauchani sp. nov. Rueda-Ramírez & Santos is described based on specimens collected at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) (Maryland, USA). Twenty-one specimens were used for the description, of which five were subjected to low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM), followed by DNA extraction for genetic analysis and subsequent slide mounting. The remaining 16 specimens were subjected to only DNA extraction for genetic analysis and subsequent slide mounting. Morphological characters of the new species observed both in the images obtained in LTSEM and in the observation of the mounted specimens are detailed. Molecular information available on the Barcode of Life Datasysetm (BOLD) is presented. An update to the recent key to the Gamasellodes species is provided.

New whitefly genus and species (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) breeding on Orophea katschallica Kurz in India

A new whitefly genus, Rudisculptus gen. nov. is described for its type species Rudisculptus caudalis gen. et sp. nov. feeding on Orophea katschallica Kurz (Annonaceae) from the Andaman Islands, India. Rudisculptus gen. nov. is similar to the New World genus, Aleuropleurocelus Drews & Sampson, 1956 and an Old World genus, Tetralicia Harrison, 1917 in pupal morphology, but differs in having the first abdominal setae, thoracic tracheal pores, caudal furrow, differentiated cephalothorax in slide mounts, the lingula excluded beyond the vasiform orifice. The new genus also differs from an Old World genus, Regiominutus Dubey, 2021 in habitus, pattern of wax secretion, shape, size, cuticle colour, raised lateral margin, extension of segment sutures and the lingula reaching outside the margin of the vasiform orifice, and in having the thoracic tracheal folds. Orophea katschallica is recorded as a new host plant for the whiteflies. Images of puparial habitus and types, line drawings and scanning electron microscope (SEM) microphotographs are provided.

Taxonomic and identification review of adventive Fiorinia Targioni Tozzetti (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Diaspididae) of the United States.

This work provides general descriptions, illustrations, molecular diagnostic data, taxonomic keys, slide mounting recommendations, and Florida distribution records for Fiorinia Targioni Tozzetti species occurring in the USA. Species treated are F.externa Ferris, F.fioriniae (Targioni Tozzetti), F.japonica Kuwana, F.pinicola Maskell, F.phantasma Cockerell & Robinson, F.proboscidaria Green, and F.theae Green. New descriptions of second-instar males and females of all seven species in addition to first-instar nymphs and adult females of F.phantasma and F.proboscidaria are presented. Taxonomic keys to second-instar males and females are developed for the first time and previously available taxonomic keys to first-instar nymphs and adult females are improved. DNA sequences were used to further evaluate the monophyly of Fiorinia and provide additional diagnostic tools for Fiorinia species. Multigene phylogenetic analyses, COI barcoding methods, and examination of type material indicate that F.yongxingensis Liu, Cai & Feng, 2020, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of F.phantasma. A morphological survey of the genus demonstrates, for the first time, the utility of second-instar males for diagnostics. This study will help inform regulatory and pest management decisions by facilitating morphological and molecular identification of adventive Fiorinia species occurring in the USA.

First record of the bay sucker, Lauritrioza alacris (Flor) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), in Jordan

AbstractThe bay sucker, Lauritrioza alacris (Flor), is recorded for the first time in Jordan. It was found on bay trees (Laurus nobilis) in home gardens in several localities in the capital Amman. Slide mounts were prepared and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insects Museum. Original images for an adult male and female, their genitalia, head, wings and infestation symptoms on the host are provided. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the number of generations per year, the distribution of the pest, the degree of infestation, the damage caused and to study natural enemies of the pest.

Lymphoma in Psittacine Birds: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Assessment.

In psittacine birds, round cell neoplasms that originate from lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes, or mast cells are sporadic and poorly described. The lack of morphological and immunohistochemical diagnostic criteria or grading schemes make specific diagnoses and prognoses challenging. We assessed cases of psittacine birds diagnosed with round cell neoplasia from 3 North American veterinary diagnostic laboratories to describe the diagnostic features of these tumors. For all cases, demographic data, anatomic distribution, histological features, and immunoreactivity for T (CD3) and B (Pax5 and MUM-1) cell markers were assessed using tissue microarrays and whole slide mounts. Thirty-eight psittacine birds representing 14 species were included. Tumors were mainly infiltrative and multicentric, were composed of homogenous sheets of round to polygonal cells, and commonly presented with a high mitotic count (average 21 mitoses per high-power field). Based on Pax5 immunoreactivity, B-cell lymphoma was most common (19/38 [50%]), and was significantly associated with involvement of the gastrointestinal and urogenital systems. Of the 38 cases, 6 (16%) were consistent with T-cell lymphoma, 3 (8%) with plasma cell tumor, and 3 (8%) were double-reactive for both B- and T-lymphocyte markers. This is the first study to describe morphologic and immunohistochemical features of round cell neoplasia in a large number of psittacine birds, and provides benchmark data for future studies aimed at elucidating the diagnosis and prognosis of these neoplasms. These data also provide useful information about reactivity of commercially available antibodies as lymphocyte markers in tissues of multiple psittacine species.

KOH Wet Mount versus Cellophane Strip without Mounting Medium for Rapid Diagnosis in Superficial Mycoses

Context: Diagnosis of superficial mycoses in clinically doubtful cases relies on demonstration of fungal elements on a 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) slide mount which takes 30 min to 2 h. Rapid results will lead to reduced time to diagnosis. Aims: A comparative study of conventional 10% KOH wet mount against the cellophane strip method without a mounting medium under bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy was aimed to determine the comparative efficacy of these methods in demonstrating fungal elements of superficial mycoses. Settings and Design: The study was conducted at a skin center of a tertiary care hospital between November 2019 and January 2020. Material and Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive clinically suspect cases of superficial cutaneous mycoses were examined. Skin scrapings for 10% KOH were collected with a blunt scalpel on one slide and examined half hour later. A cellophane strip collection of squames stuck onto another slide and examined directly by bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out in the present study using SPSS 22.0, and R environment version 3.2.2 was used for the analysis of the data. Chi-square/Fisher's exact test was used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two or more groups, nonparametric setting for qualitative data analysis. Fisher's exact test was used when samples were very small. Results: The mean percentage positivity for fungal hyphae as seen on KOH mount was 76%, for cellophane tape 97.33%, and under phase-contrast microscopy 97.33%. Pityriasis versicolor was detected by all three methods (100%). Tinea corporis had the least positive result on KOH mount. Conclusion: Cellophane strip method without a mounting medium adequately demonstrates fungal elements on light microscopy.

Đặc điểm cơ quan sinh dục đực của hai loài đồng hình thuộc họ Ngài chim (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) ở Việt Nam

Genitalia dissection is a standard method for morphological taxonomy to proper species identification of homeomorphic species. The male genitalia structures of two similar morphology species of the genus Thereatra Hübner, [1819]: Theretra boisduvalii (Bugnion, 1839) and Theretra sumatrensis (Joicey & Kaye, 1917) are described with dissection and slide mounting technique in this study.

Regiominutus ventralis gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) infesting Aglaia elaeagnoides (Meliaceae) on the Andaman archipelago, India

AbstractPuparia and third instar of a new diminutive whitefly, Regiominutus ventralis gen. et sp. nov. found infesting underside leaves of Aglaia elaeagnoides (A. Juss) (Meliaceae) on the Andaman Islands, India, are diagnosed, described and discussed. Regiominutus gen. nov. differs from allied genera, Aleuroclava Singh, Aericerus Dubey, Aleuroparvus Dubey, Aleuropleurocelus Drews and Sampson and Tetralicia Harrison in having a submarginal ventral groove, from the former two in having a deflexed submargin and smaller ventral surface and from the latter two in having a caudal furrow. Affinities and differences of the new genus shared with related genera are discussed. Puparium characters observed in slide mounts versus scanning electron microscope (SEM) images are presented. Line drawings, habitus images and SEM, microphotographs of the type specimens are given for the new taxa. This is the first whitefly species to be recorded from this host plant.

First record of cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), from Saudi Arabia

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is recorded from Saudi Arabia for the first time. This species was collected from heavily infested Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. (Malvaceae) from the city of At‐Taif in the south‐western part of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition, the mealybug Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell, 1893), previously recorded in Saudi Arabia, was found on Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae) and on Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. (Sapindaceae). Slide mounts were prepared and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insects Museum. Further surveys should be initiated to investigate the distribution and hosts of P. solenopsis in Saudi Arabia.