We present here a multisource approach that takes advantage of several disciplines to address a taxonomic issue. A triatomine related to Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, 1927 was recently found in the state of Rondonia, Brazil. The name Rhodnius montenegrensis n. sp. is suggested because it was found in the municipality of Monte Negro. The main differences between these two species can be detected in the female and male genitalia, but there are also noticeable differences in their eggs. Molecular analysis using PCR-RFLP technique and Bayesian inferences based on a fragment of the Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene corroborated the morphological findings. We used this integrative approach to address the taxonomic decision for a new Rhodnius species and its relationship with others of this genus. Results obtained herein stress that morphology must be used as the major approach for obtaining phenotypic information, and molecular data should be taken as a complementary tool.

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Description of Rhodnius montenegrensis n. sp (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) from the state of Rondonia, Brazil

Background: Among the vectors of Chagas disease (Hemiptera: Reduviidae:Triatominae), there are eighteen Rhodnius species described and some are difficult to identify. The aim of this article is to contribute to the specific identification of fourteen Rhodnius spp. through morphological characters of the external female genitalia. Methods: Female abdomens were cut transversely. The specimens were then prepared for examination by using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The careful examination of the dorsal, posterior and ventral sides revealed characteristics that allowed the identification of each of the fourteen species. Conclusion: The use of external female genitalia as characteristics are proposed as a tool for specifically identifying Rhodnius species, and an identification key for these species is presented.

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Study of the external female genitalia of 14 Rhodnius species (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) using scanning electron microscopy

The thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an invasive pest that poses a significant economical threat to U.S. agriculture and trade. In this study, DNA sequence data and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were utilized to develop a molecular diagnostic marker for S. dorsalis. The DNA sequence variation from the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was analyzed from various thrips species, including S. dorsalis. A primer set and polymerase chain reaction cycling parameters were designed for the amplification of a single marker fragment of S. dorsalis ITS2 rDNA. Specificity tests performed on ten thrips species, efficacy tests performed on fifteen S. dorsalis populations, and tests on primer sensitivity and robustness all demonstrated the diagnostic utility of this marker. This diagnostic PCR assay provides a quick, simple, and reliable molecular technique to be used in the identification of S. dorsalis.

https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-insect-science/volume-10/issue-26/031.010.2601/Development-of-a-Ribosomal-DNA-ITS2-Marker-for-the-Identification/10.1673/031.010.2601.pdf

Development of a ribosomal DNA ITS2 marker for the identification of the thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis.

Molecular Dimensions of Insect Taxonomy

The authors describe and compare the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of eggs from the three most recent described species of the genus Rhodnius Stal, 1859, which have not previously been studied. These species are Rhodnius colombiensis (Mejia, Galvao & Jurberg 1999), Rhodnius milesi (Carcavallo, Rocha, Galvao & Jurberg 2001) and Rhodnius stali (Lent, Jurberg & Galvao 1993). The results revealed that there are similarities in the exochorial architecture of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy; these include the predominance of hexagonal cells that are common to all Rhodnius species and variable degrees of lateral flattening, which is common not only to species of this genus, but also to the Rhodniini tribe. Differences in overall colour, the presence of a collar in R. milesi, a longitudinal bevel in R. stali and the precise length of R. colombiensis can be useful distinguishing features. As a result of this study, the key for egg identification proposed by Barata in 1981 can be updated.

/pdf/comparative-descriptions-of-eggs-from-three-species-of-3yg200jofj.pdf

Comparative descriptions of eggs from three species of Rhodnius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was used to compare Rhodnius domesticus (Neiva & Pinto), R. pictipes (Stal), R. prolixus (Stal) and R. stali (Lent, Jurberg & Galvao) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). The enzyme BstUI differentiated R. domesticus, R. pictipes and R. prolixus, and HhaI differentiated R. domesticus, R. pictipes and R. stali. With the fingerprinting analysis generated by these two enzymes, it was possible to clearly identify all four species in the study.

Polymorphism of the ITS-2 region of the ribosomal DNA of the Triatominae Rhodnius domesticus, R. pictipes, R. prolixus and R. stali

AIM To investigate the biocompatibility, osteogenic bioactivity and mRNA expression of the osteo/odontogenic markers bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), osteocalcin (OC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), induced by heparin in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). METHODOLOGY hDPCs were exposed to the heparin, and cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry. Osteogenic bioactivity was evaluated by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and the detection of calcium deposits by alizarin red staining (ARS). The gene expression of BMP-2, OC and ALP was quantified with real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Bonferroni or Tukey post-test and t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS Heparin had no cytotoxic effect and did not induce apoptosis. After 3 days, heparin had significantly higher ALP activity in comparison with the control (P < 0.05). Heparin had a significant (P < 0.05) stimulatory effect on the formation of mineralized nodules. BMP-2 and OC mRNA expressions were significantly higher in cells exposed to heparin than control group after 1 day (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Heparin was biocompatible in hDPCs, induced osteogenic bioactivity and enhanced mRNA expression of osteo/odontogenic markers BMP-2 and OC. These results suggest that heparin has potential to induce osteo/odontogenic cell differentiation of hDPCs.

Heparin is biocompatible and can induce differentiation of human dental pulp cells

Synchronous generators are essential components of electric power systems. They are present both in hydro and thermal power plants, performing the function of converting mechanical into electrical energy. This paper presents a visual approach to manipulate parameters that affect operation limits of synchronous generators, using a specifically designed software. The operating characteristics of synchronous generators, for all possible modes of operation, are revised in order to link the concepts to the graphic objects. The approach matches the distance learning tool requirements and also enriches the learning process by developing student trust and understanding of the concepts involved in building synchronous machine capability curves.

A visual tool for building synchronous generator capability curves

This work proposes an energy-efficient and accurate VLSI architecture of the pre-processing Pan-Tompkins algorithm (PTA) for filtering electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The PTA is among the most straightforward algorithms to detect the QRS complex in ECG signals. This work proposes a fully-parallel PTA architecture with a reduced amount of registers, directly impacting energy reduction. Furthermore, we implement a unified band-pass filter exploring shift-add arrangement to reduce the noises in the ECG signal. This strategy contributes to the savings of 46.49% and 34.64% in the area and energy per operation (EPO), respectively, compared to the literature, keeping the average sensitivity and positive prediction for examined samples at 99.73% and 99.71%, respectively. 

P. Da Costa

Papers

Polymorphism of the ITS-2 region of the ribosomal DNA of the Triatominae Rhodnius domesticus, R. pictipes, R. prolixus and R. stali

Heparin is biocompatible and can induce differentiation of human dental pulp cells

A visual tool for building synchronous generator capability curves

VLSI Architecture for Energy-Efficient and Accurate Pre-Processing Pan-Tompkins Design

Design of a low power and robust VLSI power line interference canceler with optimized arithmetic operators