0000000000265198

AUTHOR

E. Conti

Kairomone involvement in the host specificity of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis

This paper reports the results of a comparative laboratory analysis of the behavioural responses of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to semiochemical cues from four species of pentatomid bugs, Nezara viridula (L.), Eurydema ventrale Klt., Murgantia histrionica Hahn. and Graphosoma semipunctatum F. (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). In a Y-tube olfactometer, T. basalis was attracted by volatile chemicals from N. viridula, but not from other pentatomid species. In an open arena, the parasitoid reacted to chemical trails left on filter paper by all the species but most intensely to those left by N. viridula. However, upon encountering pentatomid eggs, T. b…

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Plant responses induced by Halyomorpha halys (Het.: Pentatomidae)

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), is a very polyphagous pest of fruit crops, horticultural crops and ornamentals. Native from eastern Asia, this invasive species was recorded for the first time in Modena in 2012 and is now spreading in Northern and Central Italy. With its establishment in the invaded areas, new interactions with native tri-trophic systems (plants - stink bugs - parasitoids) are expected. A plant attacked by an ovipositing stink bug may respond by the emission of induced plant synomones, which are exploited by egg parasitoids for host location (indirect defences). This mechanism had been studied for coevolved tritrophic systems at …

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Child abuse in a medical setting: Case illustrations of two variants of munchausen sindrome by proxy

Munchausen syndrome is a complex type of abuse, which is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in clinical practice, and has harmful consequences for children. Its relationship with child abuse, of which it is a variety, must be recognized in clinical and forensic practice. The authors report herein two observed cases of different types of Münchausen syndrome by proxy (MSbP). The first, is the most severe form of MSbP, with induced, true illness and related pathological symptoms into victim. The second case is a moderate form, much more complex to detect, in which a perpetrator parent simulates and aggravates the child‘s illness. Adequate training of health professionals and investigators…

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