Phylogenetic studies of Meloidae (Coleoptera), with emphasis on the evolution of phoresy

One of the most recent classifications of Meloidae is based on the assumption that phoretic first‐instar larvae evolved twice in the family, once in Meloinae and again in Nemognathinae. Within Meloinae, this scheme places all presumed phoretic taxa in Meloini regardless of other characteristics. This paper challenges this classification with a cladistic analysis of all meloid genera whose first‐instar larvae were available for study. It concludes that phoresy evolved several times in Meloinae alone and that Meloini, when defined to include all phoretic genera, is polyphyletic. Cladistic support also is presented for four subfamilies of Meloidae and for several of the traditional tribes recognized in recent classifications.     

Modulation of network activity and induction of homeostatic synaptic plasticity by enzymatic removal of heparan sulfates

Heparan sulfates (HSs) are complex and highly active molecules that are required for synaptogenesis and long-term potentiation. A deficit in HSs leads to autistic phenotype in mice. Here, we investigated the long-term effect of heparinase I, which digests highly sulfated HSs, on the spontaneous bioelectrical activity of neuronal networks in developing primary hippocampal cultures. We found that chronic heparinase treatment led to a significant reduction of the mean firing rate of neurons, particularly during the period of maximal neuronal activity. Furthermore, firing pattern in heparinase-treated cultures often appeared as epileptiform bursts, with long periods of inactivity between them. These changes in network activity were accompanied by an increase in the frequency and amplitude of miniature postsynaptic excitatory currents, which could be described by a linear up-scaling of current amplitudes. Biochemically, we observed an upregulation in the expression of the glutamate receptor subunit GluA1, but not GluA2, and a strong increase in autophosphorylation of α and β Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), without changes in the levels of kinase expression. These data suggest that a deficit in HSs triggers homeostatic synaptic plasticity and drastically affects functional maturation of neural network.     

Italian natural history museums on the verge of collapse?

The Italian natural history museums are facing a critical situation, due to the progressive loss of scientific relevance, decreasing economic investments, and scarcity of personnel. This is extremely alarming, especially for ensuring the long-term preservation of the precious collections they host. Moreover, a commitment in fieldwork to increase scientific collections and concurrent taxonomic research are rarely considered priorities, while most of the activities are addressed to public events with political payoffs, such as exhibits, didactic meetings, expositions, and talks. This is possibly due to the absence of a national museum that would have better steered research activities and overall concepts for collection management. We here propose that Italian natural history museums collaborate to instate a “metamuseum”, by establishing a reciprocal interaction network aimed at sharing budgetary and technical resources, which would assure better coordination of common long-term goals and scientific activities.     

Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> EutD: a phosphotransacetylase of the ethanolamine operon

The Escherichia coli genes pta and eutD encode proteins containing the phosphate-acetyltransferase domain. EutD is composed only by this domain and belongs to the ethanolamine operon. This enzyme has not been characterized yet, and its relationship to the multimodular E. coli phosphotransacetylase (Pta) remains unclear. In the present work, a detailed characterization of EutD from E. coli (EcEutD) was performed. The enzyme is a more efficient phosphotransacetylase than E. coli Pta (EcPta) in catalyzing its reaction in either direction and assembles as a dimer, being differentially modulated by EcPta effectors. When comparing EutD and Pta, both from E. coli, certain divergent regions of the primary structure responsible for their unique properties can be found. The growth on acetate of the E. coli pta acs double-mutant strain, was complemented by either introducing EcEutD or by inducing the eut operon with ethanolamine. In this case, the expression of a phosphotransacetylase different from Pta was confirmed by activity assays. Overall, the results indicate that EcEutD and Pta, although able to catalyse the same reaction, display differential efficiency and regulation, and also differ in the induction of their expression. However, under certain growth conditions, they can fulfil equal roles in E. coli metabolism.     

7th SOSORT consensus paper: conservative treatment of idiopathic & Scheuermann's kyphosis

Abstract

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a frequent problem and can impact greatly on patient's quality of life during adolescence. This condition can be idiopathic or secondary to Scheuermann disease, a disease disturbing vertebral growth. To date, there is no sound scientific data available on the management of this condition. Some studies discuss the effects of bracing, however no guidelines, protocols or indication's of treatment for this condition were found. The aim of this paper was to develop and verify the consensus on managing thoracic hyperkyphosis patients treated with braces and/or physiotherapy.

Methods

The Delphi process was utilised in four steps gradually modified according to the results of a set of recommendations: we involved the SOSORT Board twice, then all SOSORT members twice, with a Pre-Meeting Questionnaire (PMQ), and during a Consensus Session at the SOSORT Lyon Meeting with a Meeting Questionnaire (MQ).

Results

There was an unanimous agreement on the general efficacy of bracing and physiotherapy for this condition. Most experts suggested the use of 4-5 point bracing systems, however there was some controversy with regards to physiotherapeutic aims and modalities.

Conclusion

The SOSORT panel of experts suggest the use of rigid braces and physiotherapy to correct thoracic hyperkyphosis during adolescence. The evaluation of specific braces and physiotherapy techniques has been recommended.     

Phylogeny of European Pyrochroa (Coleoptera,Pyrochroidae) reveals cryptic taxa and different glacial histories

Only three saproxylic species of Pyrochroinae (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae) are distributed in Europe, two of which belonging to Pyrochroa: P. coccinea and P. serraticornis. However, P. serraticornis is polytypic, for the presence of the endemic subspecies P. s. kiesenwetteri in southern Italy. Using both molecular and morphological data, we explored the phylogeny of the European Pyrochroa species. A multilocus (COI, CAD, 28S) phylogenetic analysis helped highlight different evolutionary histories for the two examined species. First, P. coccinea, distributed throughout Europe, showed a high differentiation among Italian and European populations. Furthermore, three different taxonomic entities were identified within P. serraticornis, among which the cryptic species Pyrochroa bifoveata sp. n. from central Europe is described and illustrated. A comprehensive identification key to the European Pyrochroinae is also provided. Our results also suggested an historical survival of P. coccinea and P. s. kiesenwetteri in glacial refugia in Italy, and a subsequent post-glacial spread of the former species throughout the Peninsula. In contrast, the current distribution of P. s. serraticornis likely originated from a post-glacial colonization of western European relict populations, while the survival of P. bifoveata plausibly occurred in more eastern glacial refugia (e.g. Carpathian or Balkan regions). Similarly, the European populations of P. coccinea could have originated from relict populations in glacial refugia out from the Italian Peninsula. More comprehensive data on the taxonomy, ecology and biogeography of Pyrochroa are needed to learn more about these species and to help preserve the European saproxylic fauna.     

Role of HLA DRB1*15 and HLA DRB1*16alleles in the genetic susceptibility to develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) after Chikungunya and Zika viruses infection in México

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease particularly prevalent in Mexico. Althoughits etiology is unknown, genetic factors strongly influence its presenceas well as triggering factors, such as viral infections, including Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. Here,the study presents the appearance of de novoSLE (patients who did not present SLE before de virus infection, corroborated by serological analysis and negative for antinuclear antibodies) cases in Mexicans who live near the southern border of Mexico, who presented clinical symptoms of arthritic, hematological, mucocutaneous and renal SLE, after Zika and/ or Chikungunya virus infection. Low resolution class Ⅱ HLA typing was performed, which found a significantly increased frequency of HLA DRB1*02 (15 and 16)when compared to a group of 99 healthy individuals (P =0.001, OR=4.5, IC95% 1.8~11.0). All the patients were diagnosed with SLE 1 to 3 years after being confirmed with the Zika, and/or Chikungunya infection. At the point of acute viral infection, none of the patients presented clinical signs or symptoms of autoimmunity or were negative for antinuclear antibodies. In genetically susceptible individuals, Zika and Chikungunya viral infection can trigger SLE.     

Aerobic fitness and performance in elite female futsal players

Despite its growing popularity, few studies have investigated specific physiological demands for elite female futsal. The aim of this study was to determine aerobic fitness in elite female futsal players using laboratory and field testing. Fourteen female futsal players from the Venezuelan National team (age =21.2±4.0 years; body mass =58.6±5.6 kg; height =161±5.0 cm) performed a progressive maximal treadmill test under laboratory conditions. Players also performed a progressive intermittent futsal-specific field test for endurance, the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET), until volitional fatigue. Outcome variables were exercise heart rate (HR), VO₂, post-exercise blood lactate concentrations ([La]b) and running speeds (km · h^-1). During the treadmill test, VO₂max, maximal aerobic speed (MAS), HR and peak [La]b were 45.3±5.6 ml · kg^-1 · min^-1, 12.5±1.77 km · h^-1, 197±8 beats · min^-1 and 11.3±1.4 mmol · l^-1, respectively. The FIET total distance, peak running velocity, peak HR and [La]b were 1125.0±121.0 m, 15.2±0.5 km · h^-1, 199±8 beats · min^-1 and 12.5±2.2 mmol · l^-1, respectively. The FIET distance and peak speed were strongly associated (r= 0.85-87, p < 0.0001) with VO₂max and MAS, respectively. Peak HR and [La]b were not significantly different between tests. Elite female futsal players possess moderate aerobic fitness. Furthermore, the FIET can be considered as a valid field test to determine aerobic fitness in elite level female futsal players.