A peculiar case of parasitisation with two new species of wasps parasitizing the rice leaf-roller Pelopidas mathias (Fabricius, 1798) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from southern India

Paddy, Oryza sativa L. (Poales: Poaecea) is infested by a series of lepidopteran, coleopteran, hemipteran, and acarine pests in India. Of the long list, the species Rice Leaf-Roller Pelopidas mathias (Fabricius, 1798) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) is one of most encountered defoliators on paddy. Here we record and describe with illustrations, a new parasitic complex comprising of two new species of parasitic wasps, viz. Brachymeria eastwoodi Binoy, sp. nov. and Sympiesis eastwoodi James & Santhosh, sp. nov. on the pupae of P. mathias from southern India. The parasitoid complexes on P. mathias are also augmented.

Completely predatory development is described in a braconid wasp

Hymenopteran parasitoids are well known for their ubiquitous diversity, important ecological roles and biocontrol potential. We report the first detailed documentation of mite predation by a parasitoid wasp, Bracon predatorius Ranjith & Quicke sp. nov., (Insecta: Hymenoptera), first case of obligate predatory behaviour in the family Braconidae and first case of mite feeding within the superfamily Ichneumonoidea. Larvae of a new wasp species are shown to develop entirely as predators of eriophyid mites that induce leaf galls in a commercially important plant. They display highly modified head capsule morphology that we interpret as being associated with this atypical life style. We propose that the new feeding strategy evolved separately from recently described entomophytophagy in another species of the same genus. The divergent larval morphological adaptations of both species indicate a high degree of evolutionary developmental plasticity in the developmental stage.

OUP accepted manuscript

STUDY QUESTION

What is the scope of literature regarding women’s reproductive span in terms of definitions, trends and determinants?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The scoping review found a wide variation in definitions, trends and determinants of biological, social and effective women’s reproductive span.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

A woman’s reproductive span refers to her childbearing years. Its span influences a woman’s reproductive decisions.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A systematic scoping review was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, JSTOR, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases from inception to January 2021 without imposing language or date restrictions. We searched unpublished sources including the Global Burden of Disease, Demographic and Health Surveys, and National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The list of relevant references was searched by hand. Sixty-seven reports on women’s reproductive span were included in this review.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

This scoping systematic review followed an established framework. The reporting of this scoping review followed the reporting requirements provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Extension for Scoping Reviews. Identified records were independently screened and data were extracted. We performed conceptual synthesis by grouping the studies by available concepts of reproductive span and then summarized definitions, measures used, temporal trends, determinants, and broad findings of implications on population demographics and assisted reproduction. Structured tabulation and graphical synthesis were used to show patterns in the data and convey detailed information efficiently, along with a narrative commentary.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 67 relevant reports on women’s reproductive span were published between 1980 and 2020 from 74 countries. Most reports (42/67) were cross-sectional in design. Literature on reproductive span was conceptually grouped as biological (the interval between age at menarche and age at menopause), effective (when a woman is both fertile and engaging in sexual activity) and social (period of exposure to sexual activity). We summarized the working definitions, trends and determinants of each concept. Few articles addressed implications on demographics and assisted reproduction.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

A formal assessment of methodological quality of the included studies was not performed because the aim of this review was to provide an overview of the existing evidence base regardless of quality.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The review produced a comprehensive set of possible definitions of women’s reproductive span, trends, and potential determinants. Further advancement of these findings will involve collaboration with relevant stakeholders to rate the importance of each definition in relation to demography and fertility care, outline a set of core definitions, identify implications for policy, practice or research and define future research opportunities to explore linkages between reproductive spans, their determinants, and the need for assisted reproduction.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work received funding from the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), a cosponsored programme executed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The authors had no competing interests.

STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Older Patients' Views of Oral Health Care and Factors which Facilitate or Obstruct Regular Access to Dental Care-Services: A Qualitative Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Describe independently living older peoples' views of oral-health, and their experiences of accessing dental care-services within community settings.

METHODS

Dentistry and Oral-Sciences Source, CINAHL, MEDLINE and AMED databases were searched to 15 January 2020. Assessment of methodological quality was undertaken using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Extracted data underwent meta-aggregative synthesis; findings were assigned levels of credibility and categorised according to similarity. These categories were subsequently synthesised into themes.

RESULTS

Five studies were identified and included within analysis. Forty-six findings were aggregated into 18 descriptive categories, which were synthesised into five themes. These themes were Aggregated oral health experience; Taking responsibility for individual oral health; Practical issues related to accessing dental services; Negotiation of cost associated with care and Role of the dental professional.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous dental healthcare experiences influence older peoples' health perceptions and health-seeking behaviours. Dental service provision and the perceptions of dental professionals require adaptation to accommodate the needs of adults as they age. This includes provision of domiciliary services and nationally subsidised dental care.

Discovery of the chelonine tribe Adeliini Viereck, 1918 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from the Indian subcontinent with the description of a new genus from south India

The small chelonine tribe Adeliini is one of the derived groups with the postpectal carina absent, which is considered to be an apomorphic character for the Cheloninae. Adeliine genera generally exhibit a narrow endemism although the genus Adelius is widely distributed. Adeliini are reported from the Indian subcontinent for the first time with the description of a new genus and a new species, Carinadelius medicus Ranjith van Achterberg gen. et sp. nov. from south India. A revised key to the genera of Adeliini is provided with the illustrations of all included genera. The genus Myriola, which was previously included under Adelius, is re-instated based on morphological characters. The New World species of the genus Paradelius are transferred to Sculptomyriola Belokobylskij: Sculptomyriola neotropicalis (Shimbori Shaw, 2019), S. nigra (Whitfield, 1988) and S. rubra (Whitfield, 1988) are new combinations.

Discovery of the braconid subfamily Dirrhopinae van Achterberg (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) from the Indian subcontinent with the description of a new species from south India

The subfamily Dirrhopinae van Achterberg, 1984 is reported from the Indian subcontinent for the first time. A new species, Dirrhope indica Ranjith sp. nov. is hereby described and illustrated. An updated key to the extant species of Dirrhope is provided along with illustrations of the following species; D. eoa Belokobylskij, D. minor Belokobylskij, and D. rufa Foerster.

Physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and other drug use across the lifespan (The PHASE review): A systematic review

The aim of this review is to systematically describe and quantify the effects of PA interventions on alcohol and other drug use outcomes, and to identify any apparent effect of PA dose and type, possible mechanisms of effect, and any other aspect of intervention delivery (e.g. key behaviour change processes), within a framework to inform the design and evaluation of future interventions. Systematic searches were designed to identify published and grey literature on the role of PA for reducing the risk of progression to alcohol and other drug use (PREVENTION), supporting individuals to reduce alcohol and other drug use for harm reduction (REDUCTION), and promote abstinence and relapse prevention during and after treatment of alcohol and other drug use (TREATMENT). Searches identified 49,518 records, with 49,342 excluded on title and abstract. We screened 176 full text articles from which we included 32 studies in 32 papers with quantitative results of relevance to this review. Meta-analysis of two studies showed a significant effect of PA on prevention of alcohol initiation (risk ratio [RR]: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.61 to 0.85). Meta-analysis of four studies showed no clear evidence for an effect of PA on alcohol consumption (Standardised Mean Difference [SMD]: 0.19, 95%, Confidence Interval -0.57 to 0.18). We were unable to quantitatively examine the effects of PA interventions on other drug use alone, or in combination with alcohol use, for prevention, reduction or treatment. Among the 19 treatment studies with an alcohol and other drug use outcome, there was a trend for promising short-term effect but with limited information about intervention fidelity and exercise dose, there was a moderate to high risk of bias. We identified no studies reporting the cost-effectiveness of interventions. More rigorous and well-designed research is needed. Our novel approach to the review provides a clearer guide to achieve this in future research questions addressed to inform policy and practice for different populations and settings.

Discovery of the ichneutine genus Paroligoneurus Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from the Indian subcontinent with the description of a new species from Northwest India

The small braconid subfamily, Ichneutinae is one of the least studied groups within the Braconidae. Old world species of the widely distributed ichneutine genus, Paroligoneurus (unknown from the Neotropical region) is revised along with description of a new species, P. harishi Ranjith van Achterberg sp. nov. We reinstate the genera Anaprixia Mason and Muesebeckia Mason based on the following characters; exodont mandibles and absence of spiracles in the alternate tergites (in Anaprixia) and presence of carinae on propodeum and anterior subalar depression with carina (in Muesebeckia). Five species, Paroligoneurus cosmopterygivorus (He, 2000), P. crassicornis (He, 2000), P. flavifacialis (He, 2000), P. sinensis (He, 2000) and P. songyangensis (He, 2000) were described from the Oriental part of China are transferred from Oligoneurus to Paroligoneurus. A taxonomic key to the Old world species Paroligoneurus and a provisional checklist of extant species are provided.

Can we deliver effective alcohol-related brief advice in general dental practice?

Design Two-arm cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial. Intervention Twelve NHS dental practices were randomised to the intervention and control arms. Patients consuming alcohol above the recommended levels were eligible to participate in the trial. The intervention was delivered by the dentists in the participating practices and entailed the delivery of a short tailored alcohol-related advice tool and a leaflet, which included information about the effects of alcohol on oral health and the benefits of reducing alcohol intake to both oral and general health. Patients in the control arm were given a mouth cancer prevention leaflet only. The level of alcohol consumption was measured by validated tools (AUDIT: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and AUTID-C: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption). The patients were followed-up after six months by a telephone interview. Outcome Measures The feasibility trial outcomes were the recruitment, retention, eligibility and delivery rate. The primary outcome of the trial was the impact of the intervention in lowering the level of alcohol consumption as captured by the AUDIT tool. Secondary outcomes included health related quality of life and alcohol consumption and abstinence in the last 90 days. The acceptability of the intervention was also assessed.Results The recruitment and retention rate were high (95.4% and 76.9% respectively). At the follow-up, participants in the intervention arm were significantly more likely to report a longer abstinence period (3.2 vs. 2.3 weeks respectively, P = 0.04). Non-significant differences in AUDIT (44.9% vs. 59.8% AUDIT positive respectively, P = 0.053) and AUDIT-C between baseline and follow-up (-0.67 units vs. -0.29 units respectively, P = 0.058) were observed. Results from the process evaluation indicated that the intervention and study procedures were acceptable to dentists and patients.Conclusion According to this study, dentists offering screening for alcohol misuse and brief advice in a primary dental care setting is not only feasible but also well-welcomed by both the dental team and patients.

Four new species of Philoplitis Nixon (Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with an updated key and illustrations of all described species

The Microgastrinae genus Philoplitis Nixon is revised and four new species are described: P.keralensis sp. n. and P.trifoveatus sp. n. authored by Ranjith & Fernandez-Triana, and P.dzangasangha sp. n. and P.margalla sp. n. authored by Fernandez-Triana & Ranjith. A key to all nine known species is provided. Philoplitisadustipalpus Ahmad is redescribed and illustrated. Additional specimen records are presented, and the diagnostic value of some morphological characters previously used is discussed. Based on the very few specimens available for study in collections, Philoplitis seems to be restricted to the Old World tropics (Afrotropical and Oriental regions), with most known species found in the Oriental region. The first DNA barcodes for the genus are presented. No host data is currently available, but for one species a mass of five wasp cocoons was found and is illustrated for the first time.

Clogging vs. fouling in immersed membrane bioreactors

Whilst the fouling of MBR membrane surfaces has been very extensively explored by the academic community, there is an increasingly widespread recognition by practitioners of the issue of clogging of membrane channels with sludge solids, sometimes termed "sludging". The study undertaken has quantified this phenomenon using a bespoke test cell allowing a flat sheet membrane channel to be viewed directly during operation and the accumulated solids determined by digital image processing. Sludging behaviour has then been correlated both with the sludge properties, from sludge samples taken from both an industrial and municipal MBR, and the permeability decline rate data. The work has revealed the expected trends in fouling propensity, as quantified by the exponent n of the Δp/Δt = m.exp(nJ) correlation from classical flux-step tests. With zero membrane aeration the industrial samples exhibited sludging, the filling of the complete thickness of the membrane channel with sludge solids, whereas for municipal sludge the solids formed a cake layer which did not fill the channel. In the absence of sludging the permeability decline followed the expected pattern of increasing at the elevated soluble COD and capillary suction time values of the industrial sludge, compared with municipal sludge at the same solids concentration range (8-12 g.L^-1). However, there was no evident correlation between fouling (permeability decline without sludging) and sludging: incipient sludging did not appear to influence permeability, though can be assumed to negatively impact on long-term operation, or relate to the sCOD concentration. Sludging instead appeared to depend on the sludge physical properties, and primarily the viscosity: sludge samples at high viscosities were found to exhibit a different air-scour pattern to that at normal MLSS concentrations. Outcomes suggest that sludging is caused by rheological conditions promoting bubble coalescence and bubble stream constriction, reducing the exposure of the membrane surface to scouring air.

Impact of stress on dentists' clinical performance. A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Dentistry is recognised as a stressful profession and dentists perceive their profession to be more stressful than other healthcare professions. While earlier studies have shown a link between stress and well-being among dentists, whether stress negatively impacts their clinical performance is an important and open question. We do know, however, that stress is associated with reduced performance in other health (and non-health) related professions.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to answer the question: how does stress impact on dentists' clinical performance?

METHODS

This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016045756). The CINHAL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, EThOS and OpenGrey electronic databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened the citations for relevance. The citation list of potentially eligible papers was also searched. Prospective empirical studies were considered for inclusion. The inclusion criteria were applied at the full-text stage by the two same reviewers independently.

RESULTS

The search yielded 3535 titles and abstracts. Twelve publications were considered potentially eligible, eleven of which were excluded as they did not meet the predefined inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review identified a gap in the literature as it found no empirical evidence quantifying the impact of stress on dentists' clinical performance. Prospective well-designed experimental simulation studies, comparing stress with non-stress situations on clinical performance and decision making, as well studies evaluating prospectively real-life dentists' performance under stress are warranted.

Abstract P1-01-19: The role of S100A7 in microbiota mediated inflammation and breast cancer progression

Introduction

While it is accepted that inflammation is a key component of cancer development, the intricate mechanism linking the two are not fully defined. Unparalleled progress has been underway to provide better understanding of this mechanism. We investigate the role of bacterial microbiota in promoting an inflammatory environment through the induction of the pro-inflammatory molecule, S100A7, and its activation of STAT-3 signaling pathways to promote tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer (BC).

Methods

Immune-competent mouse models of orthotopic breast cancer was used to identify and characterize populations of bacterial microbiota in the cancerous breast tissue at tumor onset. Isolated tissues were homogenized and cultured, then processed for DNA extraction. Bacterial species were identified by aligning the sequences on NCBI BLAST.

Mouse mammary tissue and tumors were analyzed for S100a7 after intraperitoneal exposure to LPS after cancer cell injections. Isolated tissues were analyzed by IHC, Western Blot analysis and real time RT-PCR.

mRNA and Protein expression using real time PCR, western blot and flow cytometry, and binding assays analyzed expression and affinity of LPS/S100A7/TLR4 in BC cell lines in vitro under varying conditions.

Protein expression and In vitro functional assays including matrigel invasion and wound closure assays determined the effect of LPS/S100A7 on TLR4 and STAT-3 expression and signaling pathways in promoting tumor invasiveness.

Results

We observed microbiota in cancerous breast tissue, which is predominantly composed of Gram-negative bacteria at tumor onset. The population of mainly gram negative bacteria at tumor initiation is unique from those populations from feces and skin. This suggests that breast tissue microbiota may be a potential source of LPS in breast tumors.

Stimulation with LPS induces secretion/expression of S100A7 in mouse mammary tissue and tumors, as well as BC cell lines. Furthermore, inhibition of LPS by polymixin B decreases S100A7 to basal levels in BC cell lines.

LPS/S100A7 combinational treatment has an additive effect on the invasive potential induced by LPS in BC cell lines as shown by invasion assays and wound closure assays. S100A7 over expression increases TLR4 expression as observed by TLR4 mRNA by real time PCR and protein by flow cytometry. Furthermore, secreted S100A7 protein promotes interaction between S100A7 protein and TLR4 receptor in cell lines with endogenous TLR4 expression.

In addition, both S100A7 and LPS stimulation of TLR4 can activate STAT3 signaling pathway, and inhibition of either S100A7 and or TLR4 impairs the invasiveness of BC cell lines.

Conclusion

A unique population of gram negative bacteria characterizes breast cancer tissues. LPS of bacterial cells walls, representative of gram negative bacteria induces S100A7, which interacts with TLR4 to activate the STAT-3 pathway in tumors. This LPS-S100A7-TLR4-STAT3 axis in turn increases the invasiveness of tumor cells to promote tumor metastasis. This suggests that microbiota plays an important role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer through regulation of the pro-inflammatory molecule S100A7.

Citation Format: Wilkie T, Zhao H, Nasser M, Ahirwar D, Mishra S, Satoskar A, Pancholi V, Ganju R. The role of S100A7 in microbiota mediated inflammation and breast cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-01-19.

Direct and indirect influences of intercrops on the coconut defoliator Opisina arenosella

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) infestation by Opisina arenosella (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) in the Indian subcontinent may occur in November to May each year in the same or adjoining areas of plantations. Parasitoids of O. arenosella may also be consistently present at these times. During other periods, pests and/or parasitoids could be maintained on intercrops that are commonly grown throughout the year. Field surveys of 54 intercrop species in Kerala, India, found that O. arenosella attacks banana, but not others, while laboratory screening showed that O. arenosella can mature on jack fruit, cashew and oil palm. Larvae of 20 lepidopteran species found on intercrops were screened for use by Goniozus nephantidis (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), a larval parasitoid of O. arenosella, which oviposited on two species but its offspring failed to mature. Thirteen intercrop herbivore species were screened for use by Brachymeria nosatoi (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a pupal parasitoid of O. arenosella, which completed development on the pyralids Herculia nigrivita, Syllepte derogata and Psara basalis. Further, connectance trophic webs were compiled using prior field records of coconut, 33 species of intercrops, 58 species of lepidopteran herbivores and 29 species of primary parasitoids. Both laboratory and literature evidence suggests that populations of O. arenosella are unlikely to be maintained by feeding on intercrops or strongly influenced by direct competition with other lepidopterans but are likely to be affected by sharing parasitoids. Intercrop herbivores have clear potential for maintaining parasitoids of O. arenosella, and we recommend thirteen plant species as intercrops that should aid in conservation biocontrol.

An enigmatic new genus of Hormiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from South India

A new Hormiinae genus Indohormius gen. nov. with type species I. keralensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated. Comparison of this genus with some Hormiinae and Rhyssalinae genera are provided. The composition of the subfamily Hormiinae and the position of the new genus on a molecular phylogenetic tree are discussed.

Exploring attitudes and knowledge of climate change and sustainability in a dental practice: A feasibility study into resource management

Objective To understand the attitudes and behaviour of staff in dental practice towards adopting a reduce, reuse, recycle approach to resource management.Design A qualitative interview study.Setting The site for the study was a mixed NHS/private dental practice in North Devon.Subjects All disciplines from one dental practice.Methods (1) A practice scoping exercise - provided context and identified an interview sample. (2) Qualitative interviews with practice staff - explored knowledge and attitudes about sustainability and identified opportunities and limitations for the sustainable management of resources.Results The main issue raised by staff was the amount of waste generated. There was a strong desire to implement changes, but deep concerns were expressed about the impact of challenging current guidance on infection control.Conclusions Primary care dentistry provides both surgical and non-surgical care to more than half the UK population. Therefore, lessons learned from general dental practice can encourage positive change. More research is needed across dental practice in order to generalise these findings.

Range extension of the rare braconine genus, <i>Lyricibracon</i> Quicke (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), with the description of a new species from India

The extremely rare, monotypic genus Lyricibracon Quicke, previously known only from L. bicolorus Quicke in Brunei, is recorded from the Indian subcontinent for the first time through description of Lyricibracon jenningsi sp. nov. The two species are described, keyed and illustrated. The genus is a member of the Plesiobracon group of genera of the tribe Braconini.

Entomophytophagy ('Sequential Predatory, then Phytophagous Behaviour') in an Indian Braconid 'Parasitoid' Wasp (Hymenoptera): Specialized Larval Morphology, Biology and Description of a New Species

The vast majority of braconid wasps are parasitoids of other insects. Although a few cases of pure phytophagy (primary gall production and seed predation) are known, no previous entomophytophagous species (i.e. ones that display entomophagy and phytophagy sequentially), has been discovered among braconids. We describe the detailed biology and specialized larval morphology for the first confirmed entomophytophagous braconid species. Leaf galls on Garuga pinnata Roxb. (Burseraceae) in India, induced by the psyllid, Phacopteron lentiginosum Buckton (Hemiptera: Psylloidea, Phacopteronidae) were sampled throughout a period of several months and found to suffer a high level of attack by a new species Bracon garugaphagae Ranjith & Quicke which is here described and illustrated. The wasps oviposit singly into the galls without paralysing the psyllids. The larvae first attack psyllid nymphs which they seek out within the gall, kill them with a single bite and consume them. Unique dorsal abdominal tubercles, with eversible tips present on the abdominal segments of the larvae that are used to help maintain larval position while feeding, are illustrated. After consuming all available prey, the larvae continue feeding on gall tissue until mature enough to spin cocoons and pupate. The new species illustrates, for the first time, a possible intermediate stage in the evolution of pure phytophagy within the Braconidae. Interestingly, the two unrelated seed predator Bracon species are also associated with Burseraceae, perhaps indicating that this plant family is particularly suited as a food for braconine wasps.

A new genus of Braconinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India with remarkable head ornamentation

A new braconine genus, Stephanobracon Ranjith & Quicke (type-species: Stephanobracon narendrani Ranjith & Quicke sp. nov.) from south India is described and illustrated. It belongs to the tribe Braconini and it displays autapomorphic characters of having two pairs of sharp protuberances near to the antennal sockets and corrugated protuberances on the lateral part of the frons. Its possible relationship to other braconine genera, notably Dolabraulax Quicke, Simra Quicke and Syntomernus Enderlein, is discussed.

Taxonomic studies on Oriental Microplitis Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with description of two new species from South India

The Oriental species of Microplitis Foerster are reviewed. 21 species are recognized from the Oriental region, of which two are described as new, Microplitis narendrani sp. nov. and M. pennatulae sp. nov., and Microplitis carinicollis (Cameron), M. demolitor Wilkinson, M. maculipennis (Szépligeti) and M. similis Lyle are redescribed. Four species, Microplitis areyongensis Austin & Dangerfield, M. bicoloratus Xu & He, M. vitellipedis Li, Tan & Song and M. zhaoi Xu & He are recorded for the first time from the Indian subcontinent. Host records are summarized. An illustrated key to the Oriental species is provided along with a character matrix to aid identification. Distributional pattern in Oriental region, host-parasitoid association and biology of the genus are critically summarized.

Histology and ultrastructure of male reproductive system of the Indian Spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Decapoda: Palinuridae)

The spiny lobster Panulirus homarus, distributed along the Southeast and Southwest coasts of India, is an important commercial species having mariculture potential. Despite its importance, the structural and ultrastructure features of male gonads from this species have received scarce attention. Hence this study was aimed to describe the male reproductive tract of the species, using standard histological and electron microscopy techniques. Gonads from 94 specimens of P. homarus ranging in carapace length 37mm-92mm from Vizhinjam (Southwest coast of India.) were obtained and processed for the study (Histology-70 numbers & ultrastructure-24 numbers). The male reproductive system consists of paired testis and vas deferens located in the cephalo-thoracic region. Macroscopically, the reproductive tract was observed in lobsters > 35mm carapace length. In immature testis, spermatogonia were seen which measured 6.9-13.8 microm in diameter and in the mature testis primary (5.4-5.9 microm) and secondary spermatocytes (2.8-3 microm) and spermatids (2.2-2.4 microm) were present. Each vas deferens consists of proximal and distal portions. The spermatophoric mass begins formation in the proximal vas deferens. In the distal vas deferens the spermatophoric mass containing the spermatozoa are arranged in packets towards the periphery by the gelatinous matrix produced by the typhlosole. Ultrastructurally, the spermatogonia have lamina, nucleus and mitochondria like bodies, the primary spermatocytes have nucleus, dense chromatin and vacuolated cytoplasm and the spermatids have mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and centrioles. The endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope in the spermatids form the acrosome. The radial arms with microtubules are formed in association with the dense endoplasmic reticulum, near the nucleus. The sperm has a spherical structure with the nucleus, lamellar region, spikes and acrosome. This is the first comprehensive report of the structure of the male gametes and spermatogenesis in P. homarus from Indian waters.

Epidural Angiopomatosis of the Thoracic Spine: Case report and literature review

Spinal epidural angiolipomatosis (SEA) is a rare benign neoplasm of adipose tissue with a prominent vascular component. Classified as either idiopathic or secondary to chronic steroid therapy it accounts for 0.14% of all spinal axis tumours. The clinical and radiological features and treatment of a case in a 24-year-old male are described and discussed together with a review of the literature and previous reports.

Interventions for the management of submucous cleft palate

BACKGROUND

Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a common congenital malformation of the soft palate which may present as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), which can affect the quality and intelligibility of speech. Surgical techniques, which can be used to reconstruct these structural or anatomical defects and to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency, include palatal repair and procedures that rearrange the muscle attachments of the soft palate.

OBJECTIVES

To provide reliable evidence regarding the effectiveness of surgical interventions to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency and improve speech in patients with submucous cleft palate.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 21st December 2006); Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group Trials Register (on 12th March 2007); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 4); MEDLINE (from 1966 to 21st December 2006); EMBASE (from 1980 to 21st December 2006); and CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO (on 7th March 2007).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing surgical interventions to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency in submucous cleft palate.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Limited data from one included trial precluded pooling of data, and only a descriptive summary is presented.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included one trial, involving 72 participants aged 4 to 7 years with submucous cleft palate associated velopharyngeal insufficiency, which compared minimal incision palatopharyngoplasty (MIPP) to MIPP with additional velopharyngeal surgery, either pharyngeal flap (32) or sphincter pharyngoplasty (3). The trial provided no information about post-operative speech assessment, very limited data on any instrumental assessments and there were no reports of obstructive sleep apnoea or other adverse effects after the interventions. Complete closure occurred in 32 (86%) of the participants in the MIPP group and in 31 (89%) in the additional treatment group, P > 0.05. After eliminating the nine patients with residual velopharyngeal insufficiency, the post-operative gap size during closure was 7.4 +/-3.2% in the MIPP group and 8 +/-4.1% in the additional intervention group (P > 0.5).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The trial provided some weak and unreliable evidence that there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of minimal incision palatopharyngoplasty versus the same procedure performed simultaneously with an individually tailored pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty for correcting velopharyngeal insufficiency associated with submucous cleft palate.

Ultrasonic versus hand instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth

BACKGROUND

Endodontic treatment of root canals or root canal treatment is a frequently performed dental procedure and is carried out on teeth in which irreversible pulpitis has led to necrosis (death) of the dental pulp (nerve). Removal of the necrotic tissue remnants and cleaning and shaping of the root canal are important phases of root canal treatment. Treatment options include the use of hand and rotary instruments and methods using ultrasonic or sonic equipment.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review were to determine the relative clinical effectiveness of ultrasonic versus hand instrumentation for orthograde root canal treatment of permanent teeth.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE. We searched the reference lists of relevant articles and personal database of trial reports in an attempt to locate additional published and unpublished trials. No language restriction was applied. The last electronic search was conducted in September 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials involving people over 18 years of age with single and multiple permanent teeth with a completely formed apex and with no evidence of internal resorption, requiring root canal treatment were included. Patients undertaking re-treatment of a tooth were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies was conducted in duplicate and independently by two review authors. Results were to be expressed as fixed or random-effects models using mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was to be investigated including both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

No eligible randomised controlled trials were identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review illustrates that there are no published or ongoing randomised controlled clinical trials relevant to this review question and that there is currently insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of ultrasonic instrumentation used alone for orthograde root canal treatment. Future randomised controlled trials might focus more closely on evaluating the effectiveness of hand instrumentation compared with hand instrumentation and adjunctive ultrasonic instrumentation.

Health research priority setting in developing countries of the eastern Mediterranean region: partnering with the Cochrane Collaboration

Healthcare research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is fragmented and often weak. A coordinated approach is required to strengthen and focus efforts. Given the low resource base, priority-setting is an essential component. Healthcare policy and programmes in the EMR should be underpinned by reliable evidence of "what works for whom and why", with special attention to the health needs of the disadvantaged. Collaboration with international health research organizations, such as The Cochrane Collaboration, is essential and would provide an opportunity to examine evidence, prioritize knowledge areas, and identify research gaps.