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Epitrix species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feed mostly on plants from the family Solanaceae and some of them are major pests of potato crops. All Epitrix species are morphologically highly similar, which makes them difficult to identify and limits their study and management. Identification of species is mostly based on the observation of the genitalia and requires a high level of expertise. Here, we propose a tool to reliably identify all developmental stages of the most economically important Epitrix species feeding on potato in Europe and North America (Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix similaris, Epitrix tuberis, Epitrix subcrinita and Epitrix hirtipennis). We first sequenced two DNA markers (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2)) to test their effectiveness in differentiating among six Epitrix species (126 specimens). Morphospecies of Epitrix were well-differentiated by both DNA barcodes and no mitochondrial introgression was detected. Then, we developed an RFLP-based diagnostic method and showed that unambiguous species discrimination can be achieved by using the sole restriction enzyme TaqI on COI polymerase chain reaction products. The tool proposed here should improve our knowledge about Epitrix species biology, distribution and host range, three capacities that are particularly important in the detection and management of these pest species. Specifically, this tool should help prevent the introduction of E. tuberis and E. subcrinita in Europe and limit the spread of the recently introduced E. cucumeris and E. similaris, with minimal disruption to Solanaceae trade. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Following the recent description of I Epitrix papa i Orlova-Bienkowskaja, 2015 and additional specimen collection from North America, species misidentifications in the above mentioned paper must be notified and corrected. A morphological comparison of specimens of I Epitrix similaris i Gentner, 1944 from Portugal with paratypes of I E. similaris i from California revealed that the species present in Portugal was misidentified as I E. similaris i . Similarly, examination of specimens of I E. brevis i Schwarz, 1878 collected in July 2014 in Virginia revealed that the specimens from Kansas included in the study belong to I E. brevis i rather than to I E. fasciata. i. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study to assess whether wearing badges or name tags and posting a sign to clearly inform students of the scenario's location could promote optimal learning during simulation-based medical education. Topics covered include the importance of maintaining situational awareness among participants during high-fidelity simulation, and indications that identification badges do not play a significant role in participants' perception of their environment.

Introduction: Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is a potentially lifesaving technique that is part of the recommended treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Transcutaneous cardiac pacing however is used uncommonly, and its successful application is not straightforward. Simulation could, therefore, play an important role in the teaching and assessment of TCP competence. However, even the highest-fidelity mannequins available on the market have important shortcomings, which limit the potential of simulation., Methods: Six criteria defining clinical competency in TCP were established and used as a starting point in the creation of an improved TCP simulator. The goal was a model that could be used to assess experienced clinicians, an objective that justifies the additional effort required by the increased fidelity., Results: The proposed 2-mannequin model (TMM) combines a highly modified Human Patient Simulator with a SimMan 3G, the latter being used solely to provide the electrocardiography (ECG) tracing. The TMM improves the potential of simulation to assess experienced clinicians (1) by reproducing key features of TCP, like using the same multifunctional pacing electrodes used clinically, allowing dual ECG monitoring, and responding with upper body twitching when stimulated, but equally importantly (2) by reproducing key pitfalls of the technique, like allowing pacing electrode misplacement and reproducing false signs of ventricular capture, commonly, but erroneously, used clinically to establish that effective pacing has been achieved (like body twitching, electrical artifact on the ECG, and electrical capture without ventricular capture)., Conclusions: The proposed TMM uses a novel combination of 2 high-fidelity mannequins to improve TCP simulation until upgraded mannequins become commercially available.