An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non-native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

We report the first record of the microlepidopteran Plodia interpunctella beyond the South Shetland Islands at the Chilean Yelcho scientific station (64°52'33.1428″ S; 63°35'1.9572″ W), Doumer Island, close to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is notable that P. interpunctella, a globally distributed stored product pest species, exhibits a remarkable capacity for prolonged viability within food storage facilities. The dual challenges of food transportation and storage in the context of Antarctica's challenging operational conditions may have facilitated P. interpunctella's initial arrival to the Antarctic region. Non-perishable food items, such as grains, flour and rice, provide practical options for the bulk food transportation and storage required in the long-term operation of Antarctic research stations. The presence of P. interpunctella in Antarctica, even if restricted to synanthropic environments within buildings, is a clear threat to Antarctic biodiversity, not only through being an invasive species itself but also as a potential vector for other non-native species (bacteria, acari, between others.), which could carry diseases to the native species.

Yeasts in juvenile periodontitis. Preliminary observations by scanning electron microscopy

Through the use of the electron microscope, yeasts were found invading gingival connective tissue in juvenile periodontitis (JP). Samples (3-mm punch biopsies, including epithelium and underlying connective tissue) were taken apically to periodontal pockets before and after patient treatment with spiramycin. Some samples underwent in vitro treatment with spiramycin. Oval and round yeast cells were found before and after in vivo and after in vitro spiramycin treatment. Larger numbers of yeast cells were seen after spiramycin treatment indicating that their growth might be favored after patient treatment with this antibiotic. This observation has an obvious clinical implication. Budding processes, indicating active yeast multiplication, were observed. Some yeast cells also showed the presence of glycocalyx. Further studies on the role of yeast in the pathogenesis of JP are necessary.