Methods used for sample storage, specimen clearing, slide mounting, species illustration and morphometric description in alpha-taxonomic studies are essential for the Eriophyoidea. Eriophyoid mites are very tiny and delicate, for which truly permanent specimen slides currently cannot be prepared, resulting in eventual loss of material, including type specimens. Often, published descriptions and drawings have not achieved the required level of quality, and thus many relevant taxonomic details have been permanently lost or neglected. These shortcomings can make certain identifications impossible and cause significant confusion. Consequently, there is a considerable need for accurate and uniform descriptive and illustrative data for the Eriophyoidea. Based on their expertise on this topic, the authors provide guidelines and advices, assisted also by illustrations, of the main critical aspects in managing eriophyoid mites in order to supplement and improve techniques for handling and preparation of specimens, and for improving their taxonomic study. The effects of the short- and long-term preservation methods (i.e., fresh, dried and liquid preservative choices) on digesting the internal tissues of the mites are discussed. Clearing and mounting procedures are analyzed, and special tips are suggested for handling mites and designing tools needed during these steps. Methods for recovering specimens from unsuitable slides (i.e., undercleared and overcleared specimens) are proposed and described. Techniques and tricks to produce descriptive line drawings of good quality are highlighted, and the content to include in plates is stressed. Finally, detailed instructions for standardization of measurements are given.

The authors evaluate by means of Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) the blood flow in ophthalmic artery, posterior ciliary arteries and central retinal artery in a group of glaucomatous patients. The data obtained in this study show a statistically significant reduction of the mean systolic peak flow velocity in ophthalmic artery in glaucomas in comparison with controls. In Glaucomatous patients with uncontrolled IOP there was a reduction of end-diastolic flow velocities and a rise of resistivity index in ciliary arteries and central retinal artery.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract