Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead is an economically important aphid parasitoid,particularly for pest Myzus persicae.The aim of the study was to feed M.persicae using a formulated artificial medium instead of tobacco to main...Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead is an economically important aphid parasitoid,particularly for pest Myzus persicae.The aim of the study was to feed M.persicae using a formulated artificial medium instead of tobacco to maintain parasitoid A.gifuensis in winter.The development,survival and reproduction of M.persicae fed with four artificial media(AM1-AM4),as well as the parasitism,emergence and longevity of A.gifuensis when reared on F3 M.persicae fed with AMI,were assessed.Over 15 days of the study,the survival rates of A.gifuensis for the AM1 and AM2 treatments were significantly greater than those for the AM3 and AM4 treatments.The highest fecundity of F,A.gifuensis females was observed on AM1 feeding.No differences were noted in survival rate,development or nymph production between F:and F,M.persicae fed with AM1.No differences were recorded in the number of mummies,parasitism rate,adult Iongevity or proportion of A.gifuensis females between Treatment I(4.gifuensis parasitizing AM1-reared M.persicae)and the control.However,the emergence rate of Treatment I was lower than that of the control.The rearing of.A.gifuensis on M.persicae fed with an artificial medium was found to be a feasible proposition.This could save time,space and cost compared with traditional production methods.展开更多
Adults of the nocturnal, cricket-parasitizing wasp Rhopalosoma nearcticum flew in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (DMWP) from late June through late September, based on a 2-year, Malaise-trap sample of 617 individuals fr...Adults of the nocturnal, cricket-parasitizing wasp Rhopalosoma nearcticum flew in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (DMWP) from late June through late September, based on a 2-year, Malaise-trap sample of 617 individuals from three habitats. These wasps were significantly more abundant in the floodplain forest compared to the tidal, freshwater marsh and forest-marsh ecotone. Females were more likely to be in the ecotone and marsh than males. The pooled sample from all three habitats was significantly male biased. This study provides baseline information on R. nearcticum that can be used in assessing the health of the DMWP entomofauna in view of global change, accelerating DMWP erosion and marsh loss, invasive species, and other threats to this fragile preserve.展开更多
BACKGROUND Transfusion transmissible infections(TTIs)are illnesses spread through contaminated blood or blood products.In India,screening for TTIs such as hepatitis B virus(HBV),hepatitis C virus(HCV),human immunodefi...BACKGROUND Transfusion transmissible infections(TTIs)are illnesses spread through contaminated blood or blood products.In India,screening for TTIs such as hepatitis B virus(HBV),hepatitis C virus(HCV),human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-I/II,malaria,and syphilis is mandatory before blood transfusions.Worldwide,HCV,HBV,and HIV are the leading viruses causing mortality,affecting millions of people globally,including those with co-infections of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV.Studies highlight the impact of TTIs on life expectancy and health risks,such as liver cirrhosis,cancer,and other diseases in individuals with chronic HBV.Globally,millions of blood donations take place annually,emphasizing the importance of maintaining blood safety.AIM To study the prevalence of TTIs,viz.,HBV,HCV,HIV I/II,syphilis,and malaria parasite(MP),among different blood donor groups.METHODS The study assessed the prevalence of TTIs among different blood donor groups in Delhi,India.Groups included total donors,in-house donors,total camp donors,institutional camp donors,and community camp donors.Tests for HIV,HBV,and HCV were done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while syphilis was tested with rapid plasma reagins and MP rapid card methods.The prevalence of HBV,HCV,HIV,and syphilis,expressed as percentages.Differences in infection rates between the groups were analyzed usingχ²tests and P-values(less than 0.05).RESULTS The study evaluated TTIs among 42158 blood donors in Delhi.The overall cumulative frequency of TTIs in total blood donors was 2.071%,and the frequencies of HBV,HCV,HIV-I/II,venereal disease research laboratory,and MP were 1.048%,0.425%,0.221%,0.377%,and 0.0024%,respectively.In-house donors,representing 37656 donors,had the highest transfusion transmissible infection(TTI)prevalence at 2.167%.Among total camp donors(4502 donors),TTIs were identified in 1.266%of donors,while community camp donors(2439 donors)exhibited a prevalence of 1.558%.Institutional camp donors(2063 donors)had the lowest TTI prevalence at 0.921%.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall TTI prevalence,with total and in-house donors exhibiting higher rates compared to camp donors.CONCLUSION Ongoing monitoring and effective screening programs are essential for minimizing TTIs.Customizing blood safety measures for different donor groups and studying socio-economic-health factors is essential to improving blood safety.展开更多
Parasites have coexisted with humans throughout history,forming either symbiotic relationships or causing significant morbidity and mortality.The liver is particularly vulnerable to parasitic infections,which can resi...Parasites have coexisted with humans throughout history,forming either symbiotic relationships or causing significant morbidity and mortality.The liver is particularly vulnerable to parasitic infections,which can reside in,pass through,or be transported to the liver,leading to severe damage.This editorial explores various parasites that infect the liver,their clinical implications,and diagnostic considerations,as discussed in the article“Parasites of the liver:A global problem?”.Parasites reach the liver primarily through oral ingestion,mucosal penetration,or the bloodstream,with some larvae even penetrating the skin.Hepatic parasites such as cestodes(Echinococcus),trematodes(Clonorchis,Opisthorchis),nematodes(Ascaris),and protozoa(Entamoeba histolytica)can also cause systemic infections like visceral leishmaniasis,malaria,cryptosporidiosis,and toxoplasmosis.Chronic infections like clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are linked to persistent hepatobiliary inflammation,potentially progressing to cholangiocarcinoma,a fatal bile duct cancer,particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia.The global nature of liver parasite infestations is alarming,with hundreds of millions affected worldwide.However,control over treatment quality remains suboptimal.Given the significant public health threat posed by these parasites,international medical organizations must prioritize improved diagnosis,treatment,and preventive measures.Strengthening educational efforts and enhancing healthcare provider training are critical steps toward mitigating the global impact of parasitic liver diseases.展开更多
With the ongoing acceleration of global urbanization, an increasingly larger proportion of natural habitats are being transformed and utilized by humans. Urbanization has a substantial impact on animal populations, ex...With the ongoing acceleration of global urbanization, an increasingly larger proportion of natural habitats are being transformed and utilized by humans. Urbanization has a substantial impact on animal populations, exposing them to greater risks, but also presenting new opportunities and resources. Although the effects of urbanization and brood parasitism on the population dynamics and behavior of host birds have received considerable attention, there has been comparatively little research on how urbanization might affect the risk of brood parasitism on host birds. From April to August in 2023 and 2024, we investigated the risk of brood parasitism on Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) breeding in the urban center, outskirt, and rural areas of Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The results revealed significant differences in the risk of brood parasitism among Azure-winged Magpies in the three regions, with the proportion of magpies parasitized by the Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) being found to be significantly lower in the city center (0%) than that in outskirt (3.8%) and rural (11.4%) areas. Our results are consistent with the idea that cities can act as refuges that reduce the risk of brood parasitism experienced by host Azure-winged Magpies. Accordingly, breeding in cities enables Azure-winged Magpies to escape brood parasitism by the Asian Koel.展开更多
Hepatobiliary fascioliasis is a neglected but re-emerging parasitic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica.Humans become infected by consuming contaminated water or aquatic plants,allowing the parasite to enter the diges...Hepatobiliary fascioliasis is a neglected but re-emerging parasitic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica.Humans become infected by consuming contaminated water or aquatic plants,allowing the parasite to enter the digestive tract.From there,immature flukes penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate through the liver,triggering inflammation,fibrosis,and biliary complications.Over time,this can lead to cholangitis,biliary obstruction,and long-term liver damage.Due to its vague clinical symptoms and the limitations of current diagnostic methods,fascioliasis could be easily missed.Stool analysis is still used to detect eggs in diagnosis.However,this method is unreliable due to the inconsistency of the egg shedding.Also,serological tests are often linked to false positives due to the cross-reactions with other parasites.Imaging techniques such as ultrasound,computed tomography,and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal its complications,especially in the biliary phase,yet this is not specific.Molecular tests like polymerase chain reaction(PCR)have higher sensitivity and specificity and allow earlier diagnosis,but they are still not widely available,especially in low-resource settings.Triclabendazole is the only recommended medical treatment,yet it is not widely available.In addition,the emerging reports of resistance represent a potential threat in managing this infection.Other modalities could be needed in addition to triclabendazole,such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with biliary complications.All the previously mentioned challenges necessitate the urgent need to make the newly developed diagnostic methods,such as PCR,available,especially in areas where fascioliasis is endemic.Additionally,new medical treatments and therapeutic options should be considered to provide a second line of management,particularly in light of emerging reports of resistance.展开更多
Folate(FA)is an essential micronutrient of vitamin B group for growth,development,and reproduction through participating in the nucleotide synthesis and methyl donation reactions.The changes of FA level have been link...Folate(FA)is an essential micronutrient of vitamin B group for growth,development,and reproduction through participating in the nucleotide synthesis and methyl donation reactions.The changes of FA level have been linked to dietary insufficiency(e.g.,poor diet,etc.)malabsorption(e.g.,FA-associated gene mutation,etc.),increased demand(e.g.,pregnancy,etc).or medication(e.g.,antifolates drugs),or bad habits(e.g.,smoking,alcoholism,etc.).Recently,epidemiological data showed that the levels of the host FA typically changed in patients with infectious diseases.Interactions between pathogens,including bacteria,parasites and viruses,and their hosts are complex,in particular,pathogenic infection-mediated changes of the host FA levels can affect the utilization and uptake of limited FA resources of the host.Therefore,FA supplementation or the use of antifolate agents may be a potential antimicrobial strategy for managing infectious diseases.Furthermore,given that the gut microbiota is a primary source of FA in the human body,the association between gut microbiota and pathogenic infections warrants investigation.To date,little is known about how FA status and its biochemistry function affect the course of infectious diseases.In this review,we focus on the roles of FA in the interaction between the host and microbe,and briefly discuss the potential of FA and antifolates agents in the treatment of infectious diseases.展开更多
Eosinophilic myocarditis(EM)is a rare inflammatory condition of the heart,often associated with eosinophilic infiltration.While its causes range from allergies to autoimmune and infectious diseases,parasitic infection...Eosinophilic myocarditis(EM)is a rare inflammatory condition of the heart,often associated with eosinophilic infiltration.While its causes range from allergies to autoimmune and infectious diseases,parasitic infections are an uncommon but critical etiology.This mini-review focuses on a case of EM in a 47-year-old male from Vietnam,linked to Schistosoma spp.,Strongyloides stercoralis,and Toxocara spp.infections.The patient presented with severe chest pain and recovered fully after treatment with corticosteroids and albendazole.Drawing insights from this case and existing literature,we discuss the pathophysiology,diagnostic approaches,and therapeutic strategies for parasite-induced EM.Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential to improve clinical outcomes,especially in endemic para-sitic areas.展开更多
Acridid populations have increased significantly in recent years, causing damage to crops. Having biocontrol tools is important as it will help reduce the use of insecticides. This study reports the presence of Parago...Acridid populations have increased significantly in recent years, causing damage to crops. Having biocontrol tools is important as it will help reduce the use of insecticides. This study reports the presence of Paragordius varius in grasshoppers for the first time in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. Samples were taken from the grass around a water pond. A total of 1,225 grasshoppers were dissected to observe the presence of the worm. Seven species of grasshoppers were identified, with the most abundant species being Melanoplus differentialis. The parasitoid Paragordius varius, a nematomorph, parasitized male M. differentialis in greater numbers. This work is the first record of this parasitoid in Mexico and contributes to the knowledge of the biological control of acridids in Mexico.展开更多
Avian alarm calls mediate defenses against brood parasites and predators. These calls facilitate communication among adults and alert nestlings to potential danger. While heterospecific call recognition has been exten...Avian alarm calls mediate defenses against brood parasites and predators. These calls facilitate communication among adults and alert nestlings to potential danger. While heterospecific call recognition has been extensively studied in adult birds, nestlings—lacking direct predation experience and heterospecific alarm exposure—represent an ideal system to investigate the response to interspecific warning cues. This study explored the recognition capabilities of 5–6-day-old nestlings in Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), a common host of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). We exposed the nestlings to playbacks of alarm calls directed at parasites and raptors from conspecific, Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana, sympatric species), Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus, allopatric species) and Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius, allopatric species) adults. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in the responses of nestlings to the alarm calls of conspecific and allopatric adults directed at cuckoos and sparrowhawks. In addition, interestingly, nestlings significantly reduced their begging in response to conspecific and unfamiliar allopatric Isabelline Shrike and Common Tailorbird alarm calls but exhibited a weak response to the sympatric Vinous-throated Parrotbill. Whether older warbler nestlings with more social experience exhibit stronger responses to the alarm calls of Vinous-throated Parrotbill adults requires further investigation.展开更多
Parasites,such as flatworms,nematodes,and pentastomes,are commonly found inhabiting reptiles.In this study,we examined parasite infection status in 10 squamate species,including 5 snake species and 5 lizard species.We...Parasites,such as flatworms,nematodes,and pentastomes,are commonly found inhabiting reptiles.In this study,we examined parasite infection status in 10 squamate species,including 5 snake species and 5 lizard species.We identified one genuslevel and nine species-level parasites in these hosts,which belong to the phyla Platyhelminthes,Nemathelminthes,and Arthropoda.The overall infection rate was 45%,with significant differences in infection rates between lizard and snake species.Parasites in snakes included the Kalicephalus sp.,Ophidascaris filaria,Ophiotaenia bungari,Raillietiella orientalis and Spirometra erinaceieuropaei,and parasitic parasites in lizards were mainly composed of Meteterakis japonica,Plagiorchis koreanus,Spauligodon carbonelli,Spauligodon saxicolae and Strongyluris calotis,respectively.There were significant differences in infection rates among different species and regions,and even among different tissues of the same species.The overall investigation of squamate parasites in China will provide some basic information for public health safety.展开更多
The brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird(Molothrus ater)has one of the shortest incubation periods of any bird.Brown-headed cowbird eggs,and those of other avian brood parasites,tend to be more spherical due to their ...The brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird(Molothrus ater)has one of the shortest incubation periods of any bird.Brown-headed cowbird eggs,and those of other avian brood parasites,tend to be more spherical due to their greater relative width.The traditional explanation for this egg shape is that it,combined with the thicker eggshells,resists host puncture-ejection.However,very few North American hosts of the brownheaded cowbird actually engage in puncture-ejection and therefore wider eggs may instead provide greater contact with a host’s brood patch during incubation,especially in large host nests.We tested whether greater egg width increased mean temperature and reduced temperature variation in brown-headed cowbirds by inserting temperature probes into brown-headed cowbird and house sparrow(Passer domesticus)eggs and placing them into red-winged blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)nests.House sparrow eggs are similar in appearance and in length to cowbird eggs,but are not as wide.We found no signifcant relationship between brown-headed cowbird egg width and mean incubation temperature.However,brown-headed cowbird eggs experienced less temperature variation than house sparrow eggs,and within brown-headed cowbird eggs,more spherical eggs experienced less temperature variation when accounting for differences in width.These results suggest that brownheaded cowbirds may have short incubation periods in part because their eggs exhibit less temperature variation over the course of incubation.The brown-headed cowbird’s egg shape may contribute to its accelerated embryonic development rate relative to host eggs of similar size,which explains its ability to hatch in a variety of host nests.展开更多
Ultrahigh nickel oxides(Ni content>90%)hold great promise for high-performance cathodes for the future generation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,these cathode materials cause problems such as harmful parasi...Ultrahigh nickel oxides(Ni content>90%)hold great promise for high-performance cathodes for the future generation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,these cathode materials cause problems such as harmful parasitic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface,degradation of the layered structure,and the creation of microcracks.Herein,a microstructural refinement and intergranular coating strategy is proposed to engineer ultrahigh nickel cathode LiNi_(0.96)Co_(0.03)Mn_(0.01)O_(2)(NCM).The W-doping-induced fine-grained microstructure not only endows NCM with excellent mechanical properties but also promotes infiltration of the fluoride-containing coating along the grain boundaries inside the secondary particles,thereby forming intergranular coatings.This combined fine-grained microstructure and intergranular coating strategy reduces the formation of microcracks and suppresses the additional parasitic electrolyte reactions caused by them,thereby inhibiting the degradation of the layered phase.Consequently,the modified NCM cathode achieved exceptional electrochemical properties,especially delivering a high initial capacity of 230.8 mA h g^(-1)(0.1 C)and a capacity retention exceeding 96% after100 cycles at 0.5 C in half cells.After 500 cycles in full cells,the capacity retention increases by 21.2% compared with NCM.This strategy mitigates multiple degradation mechanisms in Ni-rich cathodes and provides a generalized strategy for developing advanced ultrahigh-nickel cathodes for industrial application.展开更多
Researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,with collaborators,identified two sorghum genes(SbSLT1 and SbSLT2)that block Striga-a parasitic plant,also k...Researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,with collaborators,identified two sorghum genes(SbSLT1 and SbSLT2)that block Striga-a parasitic plant,also known as“witchweed,”that causes$1.5 billion annual losses in Africa by draining crop nutrients.Published in Cell(February 12,2025),the study shows that these genes regulate strigolactones(SLs).展开更多
Extracellular vesicles(EVs)have arisen as potential therapeutic tools in managing infectious diseases because EVs can regulate cell-to-cell signaling,function as drug transport mechanisms,and influence immune reaction...Extracellular vesicles(EVs)have arisen as potential therapeutic tools in managing infectious diseases because EVs can regulate cell-to-cell signaling,function as drug transport mechanisms,and influence immune reactions.They are obtained from a myriad of sources,such as plants,humans,and animal cells.EVs like exosomes and ectosomes can be utilized in their native form as therapeutics or engineered to encompass antimicrobials,vaccines,and oligonucleotides of interest with a targeted delivery strategy.An in-depth understanding of host-pathogen dynamics provides a solid foundation for exploiting its full potential in therapeutics against infectious diseases.This review mainly offers an extensive summary of EVs,comprising their various origins,formations,and pathogen relationships.It further provides insights into the various techniques utilized in isolating and engineering these vesicles to target infectious diseases and how challenges involving large-scale production and cargo loading efficiency should be addressed for clinical application.Finally,preclinical and clinical implementations of EVs derived from animals,plants,and microorganisms are elucidated,stressing their promise for designing innovative antimicrobial approaches.展开更多
For songbirds,the post-fledging period is critical for development and survival,as young must learn to get food,practice flying,and identify predators to become independent from their parents and disperse or migrate.O...For songbirds,the post-fledging period is critical for development and survival,as young must learn to get food,practice flying,and identify predators to become independent from their parents and disperse or migrate.Obligate avian brood parasites,like cuckoos and cowbirds,lay eggs in nests of other bird species that provide parental care until the parasite’s young become independent.The information on the post-fledging period in songbirds is limited due to the difficulty in following and observing fledglings and it is even scarcer for brood parasites.We studied the behavior,survival,and age of independence of Shiny Cowbird(Molothrus bonariensis)fledglings raised by 2 hosts that differ markedly in body size:the House Wren(Troglodytes aedon)and the Chalk-Browed Mockingbird(Mimus saturninus).We radio-tracked individuals from a few days before they left the nest until they disappeared from the natal territory.We found:(1)chicks left the nest when they were 11-15 days of age and the age of fledgling did not differ between the 2 host species,(2)after leaving the nest,they spent most of the time perched in a hidden place without begging but as they grew,the proportion of time perched without begging decreased and begging in hidden and exposed places increased,(3)we observed approaches between adult parasitic females and young in host territories,(4)young abandoned the host territory and joined conspecific flocks when they were 35-39 days of age,and(5)the estimated post-fledging survival was between 12.5%and 20.8%.展开更多
Gastrointestinal(GI)parasites are a global concern and cause serious damage to the health of animals,including horses,because of their deleterious effects on the health of these animals.Owing to improperly diagnosing ...Gastrointestinal(GI)parasites are a global concern and cause serious damage to the health of animals,including horses,because of their deleterious effects on the health of these animals.Owing to improperly diagnosing the parasitic load and the resulting incorrect treatment,anthelmintics are becoming a global problem.Although rapid diagnostic techniques such as McMaster and FECPAK^(G2) are available in Africa,concentration techniques,including flotation and sedimentation,are commonly used in screening for gastrointestinal parasites.In this study,we compared the sensitivity of diagnostic techniques,namely,McMaster and FECPAK^(G2),in quantifying and determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites as an alternative to the commonly used flotation and sedimentation techniques for equine fecal samples in Jos,Plateau State,Nigeria.Three hundred fecal samples were collected from different locations.The instructions provided by the manufacturers of FECPAK^(G2) and McMasters were used as the methodology for egg count per gram of fecal matter,while parasite egg/ova identification was performed through sedimentation and flotation techniques.In general,a prevalence of 66.3%was recorded,with a higher prevalence on Babale ranch(84%)than on Jos Polo Club(62%)and Jos mounted troop(53%).A total of nine gastrointestinal parasites were identified via both sedimentation and flotation techniques:Strongylus spp.(19.3%)was the most prevalent parasite identified via the flotation method,whereas Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus(25.3%)was the most prevalent parasite identified via the sedimentation technique.In general,FECPAK^(G2) had a sensitivity of 86%,whereas McMaster had a sensitivity of 64%in terms of egg counts per gram of fecal sample.This finding suggests that equines in Jos are highly infected with a variety of gastrointestinal parasites to varying degrees,with Strongylus spp.and Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus being more prevalent.Although the parasite load was found to range from low to moderate levels,the majority of the equine samples contained<200 eggs per gram,suggesting a low infection rate via both the McMaster technique and the FECPAK^(G2) technique.On the basis of these findings,FECPAK^(G2) is recommended for rapid diagnosis because of its prompt outcome and infestation rate as well as ease of routine examination.Additionally,routine examination should be carried out to determine infestation by gastrointestinal parasites in all equine holdings and the effectiveness of the therapeutic agents used.展开更多
Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is induced mainly by Echinococcus granulosus and occasionally by Echinococcus multilocularis(alveolaris)and affects the liver predominantly.Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is similar ...Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is induced mainly by Echinococcus granulosus and occasionally by Echinococcus multilocularis(alveolaris)and affects the liver predominantly.Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is similar to carcinoma in appearance,and without treatment,it can lead to death.Diagnosis is based on current imaging modalities.Surgical management is the cornerstone of treatment.Complete removal of the cyst(total pericystectomy or hepatectomy)ensures a permanent cure and should be the first-choice treatment for cystic disease.Cyst evacuation,partial cystectomy,and drainage or omentoplasty,may be alternative choices in difficult cases.Albendazole,mebendazole and praziquantel are options for treating small cysts and preventing recurrence after surgery.Despite the efforts,alveolar echinococcus is not usually amenable to surgical management,except in the early stage,which is less common,and management by albendazole is indicated.However,there are few recent reports of major operations(ex-vivo hepatectomy,autotransplantation and vascular reconstruction)in advanced stages.展开更多
Alarm calls in bird vocalizations serve as acoustic signals announcing danger.Owing to the convergent evolution of alarm calls,some bird species can beneft from eavesdropping on certain parameters of alarm calls of ot...Alarm calls in bird vocalizations serve as acoustic signals announcing danger.Owing to the convergent evolution of alarm calls,some bird species can beneft from eavesdropping on certain parameters of alarm calls of other species.Vocal mimicry,displayed by many bird species,aids defense against predators and may help brood parasites during parasitism.In the coevolutionary dynamics between brood parasites,such as the common cuckoo(Cuculus canorus),and their hosts,female cuckoo vocalizations can induce hosts to leave the nest,increasing the probability of successful parasitism and reducing the risk of host attacks.Such cuckoo calls were thought to mimic those of the sparrowhawk.However,owing to their similarity to alarm calls,we propose a new hypothesis:Female cuckoos cheat their hosts by mimicking the parameters of the host alarm call.In this study,we tested this new hypothesis and the sparrowhawk mimicry hypothesis simultaneously by manipulating the syllable rate in male and female common cuckoo vocalizations and playing them in front of the host Oriental reed warbler(Acrocephalus orientalis)for examination.The results indicate that similar to a normal female cuckoo call,a female call with a reduced syllable rate prompted the hosts to leave their nests more frequently and rapidly than male cuckoo calls.Additionally,the male cuckoo calls with increased syllable rate did not prompt the host to leave their nests more frequently or quickly compared with the male cuckoo calls with a normal syllable rate.Our results further confrm that female common cuckoos mimic the vocalizations of Eurasian sparrowhawks(Accipiter nisus),reveal the function mechanisms underlying such mimicry,and support the theory of imperfect mimicry.展开更多
Avian brood parasitism is a unique reproductive behavior in which parasitic birds depend on other species to incubate their eggs and raise their offspring.In China,there are 20 species of cuckoos in the family Cuculid...Avian brood parasitism is a unique reproductive behavior in which parasitic birds depend on other species to incubate their eggs and raise their offspring.In China,there are 20 species of cuckoos in the family Cuculidae,order Cuculiformes,of which 17 species are parasitic cuckoos.This makes China one of the countries with the largest number of parasitic cuckoo species worldwide.Understanding the host utilization of cuckoos provides fundamental data for studying the coevolution of cuckoos with their hosts.We collected information on cuckoo hosts from the literature,photographs provided by birdwatchers,and online short video platforms,combined these data with our field observations,and summarized the parasitic cuckoos and their host species in China.A total of 1155 parasitism events were counted,involving 12 parasitic cuckoo species and 87 bird host species.These hosts belonged to 26 families,among which Muscicapidae was the most diverse with 19 species,accounting for 21.8%of the total hosts,followed by the families Phylloscopidae and Leiothrichidae with 8 species each,accounting for 9.2%of the total hosts recorded.The Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus)had the largest number of host taxa with 38 species,accounting for 43.7%of the total host species.This study adds 14 host species that have not been reported in China.However,for five species,the Jacobin Cuckoo(Clamator jacobinus),Banded Bay Cuckoo(Cacomantis sonneratii),Violet Cuckoo(Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus),Common Hawkcuckoo(Hierococcyx varius),and Whistling Hawk-cuckoo(Hierococcyx nisicolor),information regarding host utilization is still lacking.展开更多
文摘Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead is an economically important aphid parasitoid,particularly for pest Myzus persicae.The aim of the study was to feed M.persicae using a formulated artificial medium instead of tobacco to maintain parasitoid A.gifuensis in winter.The development,survival and reproduction of M.persicae fed with four artificial media(AM1-AM4),as well as the parasitism,emergence and longevity of A.gifuensis when reared on F3 M.persicae fed with AMI,were assessed.Over 15 days of the study,the survival rates of A.gifuensis for the AM1 and AM2 treatments were significantly greater than those for the AM3 and AM4 treatments.The highest fecundity of F,A.gifuensis females was observed on AM1 feeding.No differences were noted in survival rate,development or nymph production between F:and F,M.persicae fed with AM1.No differences were recorded in the number of mummies,parasitism rate,adult Iongevity or proportion of A.gifuensis females between Treatment I(4.gifuensis parasitizing AM1-reared M.persicae)and the control.However,the emergence rate of Treatment I was lower than that of the control.The rearing of.A.gifuensis on M.persicae fed with an artificial medium was found to be a feasible proposition.This could save time,space and cost compared with traditional production methods.
文摘Adults of the nocturnal, cricket-parasitizing wasp Rhopalosoma nearcticum flew in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (DMWP) from late June through late September, based on a 2-year, Malaise-trap sample of 617 individuals from three habitats. These wasps were significantly more abundant in the floodplain forest compared to the tidal, freshwater marsh and forest-marsh ecotone. Females were more likely to be in the ecotone and marsh than males. The pooled sample from all three habitats was significantly male biased. This study provides baseline information on R. nearcticum that can be used in assessing the health of the DMWP entomofauna in view of global change, accelerating DMWP erosion and marsh loss, invasive species, and other threats to this fragile preserve.
文摘BACKGROUND Transfusion transmissible infections(TTIs)are illnesses spread through contaminated blood or blood products.In India,screening for TTIs such as hepatitis B virus(HBV),hepatitis C virus(HCV),human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-I/II,malaria,and syphilis is mandatory before blood transfusions.Worldwide,HCV,HBV,and HIV are the leading viruses causing mortality,affecting millions of people globally,including those with co-infections of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV.Studies highlight the impact of TTIs on life expectancy and health risks,such as liver cirrhosis,cancer,and other diseases in individuals with chronic HBV.Globally,millions of blood donations take place annually,emphasizing the importance of maintaining blood safety.AIM To study the prevalence of TTIs,viz.,HBV,HCV,HIV I/II,syphilis,and malaria parasite(MP),among different blood donor groups.METHODS The study assessed the prevalence of TTIs among different blood donor groups in Delhi,India.Groups included total donors,in-house donors,total camp donors,institutional camp donors,and community camp donors.Tests for HIV,HBV,and HCV were done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while syphilis was tested with rapid plasma reagins and MP rapid card methods.The prevalence of HBV,HCV,HIV,and syphilis,expressed as percentages.Differences in infection rates between the groups were analyzed usingχ²tests and P-values(less than 0.05).RESULTS The study evaluated TTIs among 42158 blood donors in Delhi.The overall cumulative frequency of TTIs in total blood donors was 2.071%,and the frequencies of HBV,HCV,HIV-I/II,venereal disease research laboratory,and MP were 1.048%,0.425%,0.221%,0.377%,and 0.0024%,respectively.In-house donors,representing 37656 donors,had the highest transfusion transmissible infection(TTI)prevalence at 2.167%.Among total camp donors(4502 donors),TTIs were identified in 1.266%of donors,while community camp donors(2439 donors)exhibited a prevalence of 1.558%.Institutional camp donors(2063 donors)had the lowest TTI prevalence at 0.921%.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall TTI prevalence,with total and in-house donors exhibiting higher rates compared to camp donors.CONCLUSION Ongoing monitoring and effective screening programs are essential for minimizing TTIs.Customizing blood safety measures for different donor groups and studying socio-economic-health factors is essential to improving blood safety.
文摘Parasites have coexisted with humans throughout history,forming either symbiotic relationships or causing significant morbidity and mortality.The liver is particularly vulnerable to parasitic infections,which can reside in,pass through,or be transported to the liver,leading to severe damage.This editorial explores various parasites that infect the liver,their clinical implications,and diagnostic considerations,as discussed in the article“Parasites of the liver:A global problem?”.Parasites reach the liver primarily through oral ingestion,mucosal penetration,or the bloodstream,with some larvae even penetrating the skin.Hepatic parasites such as cestodes(Echinococcus),trematodes(Clonorchis,Opisthorchis),nematodes(Ascaris),and protozoa(Entamoeba histolytica)can also cause systemic infections like visceral leishmaniasis,malaria,cryptosporidiosis,and toxoplasmosis.Chronic infections like clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are linked to persistent hepatobiliary inflammation,potentially progressing to cholangiocarcinoma,a fatal bile duct cancer,particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia.The global nature of liver parasite infestations is alarming,with hundreds of millions affected worldwide.However,control over treatment quality remains suboptimal.Given the significant public health threat posed by these parasites,international medical organizations must prioritize improved diagnosis,treatment,and preventive measures.Strengthening educational efforts and enhancing healthcare provider training are critical steps toward mitigating the global impact of parasitic liver diseases.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFF1304600)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32160242 to JL,32470513 and 32270526 to WL)supported by the 2023 Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Youth Science and Technology Support Talent Training Project.
文摘With the ongoing acceleration of global urbanization, an increasingly larger proportion of natural habitats are being transformed and utilized by humans. Urbanization has a substantial impact on animal populations, exposing them to greater risks, but also presenting new opportunities and resources. Although the effects of urbanization and brood parasitism on the population dynamics and behavior of host birds have received considerable attention, there has been comparatively little research on how urbanization might affect the risk of brood parasitism on host birds. From April to August in 2023 and 2024, we investigated the risk of brood parasitism on Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) breeding in the urban center, outskirt, and rural areas of Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The results revealed significant differences in the risk of brood parasitism among Azure-winged Magpies in the three regions, with the proportion of magpies parasitized by the Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) being found to be significantly lower in the city center (0%) than that in outskirt (3.8%) and rural (11.4%) areas. Our results are consistent with the idea that cities can act as refuges that reduce the risk of brood parasitism experienced by host Azure-winged Magpies. Accordingly, breeding in cities enables Azure-winged Magpies to escape brood parasitism by the Asian Koel.
文摘Hepatobiliary fascioliasis is a neglected but re-emerging parasitic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica.Humans become infected by consuming contaminated water or aquatic plants,allowing the parasite to enter the digestive tract.From there,immature flukes penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate through the liver,triggering inflammation,fibrosis,and biliary complications.Over time,this can lead to cholangitis,biliary obstruction,and long-term liver damage.Due to its vague clinical symptoms and the limitations of current diagnostic methods,fascioliasis could be easily missed.Stool analysis is still used to detect eggs in diagnosis.However,this method is unreliable due to the inconsistency of the egg shedding.Also,serological tests are often linked to false positives due to the cross-reactions with other parasites.Imaging techniques such as ultrasound,computed tomography,and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal its complications,especially in the biliary phase,yet this is not specific.Molecular tests like polymerase chain reaction(PCR)have higher sensitivity and specificity and allow earlier diagnosis,but they are still not widely available,especially in low-resource settings.Triclabendazole is the only recommended medical treatment,yet it is not widely available.In addition,the emerging reports of resistance represent a potential threat in managing this infection.Other modalities could be needed in addition to triclabendazole,such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with biliary complications.All the previously mentioned challenges necessitate the urgent need to make the newly developed diagnostic methods,such as PCR,available,especially in areas where fascioliasis is endemic.Additionally,new medical treatments and therapeutic options should be considered to provide a second line of management,particularly in light of emerging reports of resistance.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China(2025J01761 to J.W.)Open Subjects for Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Anhui Higher Education Institutes,Bengbu Medical University(I&I-2024-K03 to J.W.)+2 种基金The Middle-aged and Young Teachers’Educational Research Project of Fujian Province(JAT241032 to J.W.)The Research Foundation for Advanced Talents from Bengbu Medical University(bsqd2024011 to D.C.)High-Level Hospital Construction Project of Nanjing Stomatological Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Institute of Stomatology,Nanjing University(0224C041 to Y.Q.).
文摘Folate(FA)is an essential micronutrient of vitamin B group for growth,development,and reproduction through participating in the nucleotide synthesis and methyl donation reactions.The changes of FA level have been linked to dietary insufficiency(e.g.,poor diet,etc.)malabsorption(e.g.,FA-associated gene mutation,etc.),increased demand(e.g.,pregnancy,etc).or medication(e.g.,antifolates drugs),or bad habits(e.g.,smoking,alcoholism,etc.).Recently,epidemiological data showed that the levels of the host FA typically changed in patients with infectious diseases.Interactions between pathogens,including bacteria,parasites and viruses,and their hosts are complex,in particular,pathogenic infection-mediated changes of the host FA levels can affect the utilization and uptake of limited FA resources of the host.Therefore,FA supplementation or the use of antifolate agents may be a potential antimicrobial strategy for managing infectious diseases.Furthermore,given that the gut microbiota is a primary source of FA in the human body,the association between gut microbiota and pathogenic infections warrants investigation.To date,little is known about how FA status and its biochemistry function affect the course of infectious diseases.In this review,we focus on the roles of FA in the interaction between the host and microbe,and briefly discuss the potential of FA and antifolates agents in the treatment of infectious diseases.
文摘Eosinophilic myocarditis(EM)is a rare inflammatory condition of the heart,often associated with eosinophilic infiltration.While its causes range from allergies to autoimmune and infectious diseases,parasitic infections are an uncommon but critical etiology.This mini-review focuses on a case of EM in a 47-year-old male from Vietnam,linked to Schistosoma spp.,Strongyloides stercoralis,and Toxocara spp.infections.The patient presented with severe chest pain and recovered fully after treatment with corticosteroids and albendazole.Drawing insights from this case and existing literature,we discuss the pathophysiology,diagnostic approaches,and therapeutic strategies for parasite-induced EM.Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential to improve clinical outcomes,especially in endemic para-sitic areas.
文摘Acridid populations have increased significantly in recent years, causing damage to crops. Having biocontrol tools is important as it will help reduce the use of insecticides. This study reports the presence of Paragordius varius in grasshoppers for the first time in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. Samples were taken from the grass around a water pond. A total of 1,225 grasshoppers were dissected to observe the presence of the worm. Seven species of grasshoppers were identified, with the most abundant species being Melanoplus differentialis. The parasitoid Paragordius varius, a nematomorph, parasitized male M. differentialis in greater numbers. This work is the first record of this parasitoid in Mexico and contributes to the knowledge of the biological control of acridids in Mexico.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32301295 to JW, 32101242 to LM, and 32260253 to LW)High-Level Talents Research Start-Up Project of Hebei University (No. 521100222044 to JW)
文摘Avian alarm calls mediate defenses against brood parasites and predators. These calls facilitate communication among adults and alert nestlings to potential danger. While heterospecific call recognition has been extensively studied in adult birds, nestlings—lacking direct predation experience and heterospecific alarm exposure—represent an ideal system to investigate the response to interspecific warning cues. This study explored the recognition capabilities of 5–6-day-old nestlings in Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), a common host of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). We exposed the nestlings to playbacks of alarm calls directed at parasites and raptors from conspecific, Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana, sympatric species), Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus, allopatric species) and Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius, allopatric species) adults. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in the responses of nestlings to the alarm calls of conspecific and allopatric adults directed at cuckoos and sparrowhawks. In addition, interestingly, nestlings significantly reduced their begging in response to conspecific and unfamiliar allopatric Isabelline Shrike and Common Tailorbird alarm calls but exhibited a weak response to the sympatric Vinous-throated Parrotbill. Whether older warbler nestlings with more social experience exhibit stronger responses to the alarm calls of Vinous-throated Parrotbill adults requires further investigation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32171498 and 32171495)the Finance Science and Technology Project of Hainan Province (ZDYF2018219)the Hainan Key Program of Science and Technology (ZDXM20110008)。
文摘Parasites,such as flatworms,nematodes,and pentastomes,are commonly found inhabiting reptiles.In this study,we examined parasite infection status in 10 squamate species,including 5 snake species and 5 lizard species.We identified one genuslevel and nine species-level parasites in these hosts,which belong to the phyla Platyhelminthes,Nemathelminthes,and Arthropoda.The overall infection rate was 45%,with significant differences in infection rates between lizard and snake species.Parasites in snakes included the Kalicephalus sp.,Ophidascaris filaria,Ophiotaenia bungari,Raillietiella orientalis and Spirometra erinaceieuropaei,and parasitic parasites in lizards were mainly composed of Meteterakis japonica,Plagiorchis koreanus,Spauligodon carbonelli,Spauligodon saxicolae and Strongyluris calotis,respectively.There were significant differences in infection rates among different species and regions,and even among different tissues of the same species.The overall investigation of squamate parasites in China will provide some basic information for public health safety.
文摘The brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird(Molothrus ater)has one of the shortest incubation periods of any bird.Brown-headed cowbird eggs,and those of other avian brood parasites,tend to be more spherical due to their greater relative width.The traditional explanation for this egg shape is that it,combined with the thicker eggshells,resists host puncture-ejection.However,very few North American hosts of the brownheaded cowbird actually engage in puncture-ejection and therefore wider eggs may instead provide greater contact with a host’s brood patch during incubation,especially in large host nests.We tested whether greater egg width increased mean temperature and reduced temperature variation in brown-headed cowbirds by inserting temperature probes into brown-headed cowbird and house sparrow(Passer domesticus)eggs and placing them into red-winged blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)nests.House sparrow eggs are similar in appearance and in length to cowbird eggs,but are not as wide.We found no signifcant relationship between brown-headed cowbird egg width and mean incubation temperature.However,brown-headed cowbird eggs experienced less temperature variation than house sparrow eggs,and within brown-headed cowbird eggs,more spherical eggs experienced less temperature variation when accounting for differences in width.These results suggest that brownheaded cowbirds may have short incubation periods in part because their eggs exhibit less temperature variation over the course of incubation.The brown-headed cowbird’s egg shape may contribute to its accelerated embryonic development rate relative to host eggs of similar size,which explains its ability to hatch in a variety of host nests.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52071073)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2024GFZD002)+3 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(E2024501015)the Liaoning Applied Basic Research Program(2023JH2/101300011)the Basic Scientific Research Project of Liaoning Province Department of Education(LJKZZ20220024)the Shenyang Science and Technology Project(23-407-3-13)。
文摘Ultrahigh nickel oxides(Ni content>90%)hold great promise for high-performance cathodes for the future generation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,these cathode materials cause problems such as harmful parasitic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface,degradation of the layered structure,and the creation of microcracks.Herein,a microstructural refinement and intergranular coating strategy is proposed to engineer ultrahigh nickel cathode LiNi_(0.96)Co_(0.03)Mn_(0.01)O_(2)(NCM).The W-doping-induced fine-grained microstructure not only endows NCM with excellent mechanical properties but also promotes infiltration of the fluoride-containing coating along the grain boundaries inside the secondary particles,thereby forming intergranular coatings.This combined fine-grained microstructure and intergranular coating strategy reduces the formation of microcracks and suppresses the additional parasitic electrolyte reactions caused by them,thereby inhibiting the degradation of the layered phase.Consequently,the modified NCM cathode achieved exceptional electrochemical properties,especially delivering a high initial capacity of 230.8 mA h g^(-1)(0.1 C)and a capacity retention exceeding 96% after100 cycles at 0.5 C in half cells.After 500 cycles in full cells,the capacity retention increases by 21.2% compared with NCM.This strategy mitigates multiple degradation mechanisms in Ni-rich cathodes and provides a generalized strategy for developing advanced ultrahigh-nickel cathodes for industrial application.
文摘Researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,with collaborators,identified two sorghum genes(SbSLT1 and SbSLT2)that block Striga-a parasitic plant,also known as“witchweed,”that causes$1.5 billion annual losses in Africa by draining crop nutrients.Published in Cell(February 12,2025),the study shows that these genes regulate strigolactones(SLs).
基金funded by the National Science Foundation grant(IOS-1900377),received by QLM and EPSCoR GRSP Round 19 grant received by SVTW.
文摘Extracellular vesicles(EVs)have arisen as potential therapeutic tools in managing infectious diseases because EVs can regulate cell-to-cell signaling,function as drug transport mechanisms,and influence immune reactions.They are obtained from a myriad of sources,such as plants,humans,and animal cells.EVs like exosomes and ectosomes can be utilized in their native form as therapeutics or engineered to encompass antimicrobials,vaccines,and oligonucleotides of interest with a targeted delivery strategy.An in-depth understanding of host-pathogen dynamics provides a solid foundation for exploiting its full potential in therapeutics against infectious diseases.This review mainly offers an extensive summary of EVs,comprising their various origins,formations,and pathogen relationships.It further provides insights into the various techniques utilized in isolating and engineering these vesicles to target infectious diseases and how challenges involving large-scale production and cargo loading efficiency should be addressed for clinical application.Finally,preclinical and clinical implementations of EVs derived from animals,plants,and microorganisms are elucidated,stressing their promise for designing innovative antimicrobial approaches.
基金supported by Grants from the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica,from Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas(CONICET)and the University of Buenos Aires.
文摘For songbirds,the post-fledging period is critical for development and survival,as young must learn to get food,practice flying,and identify predators to become independent from their parents and disperse or migrate.Obligate avian brood parasites,like cuckoos and cowbirds,lay eggs in nests of other bird species that provide parental care until the parasite’s young become independent.The information on the post-fledging period in songbirds is limited due to the difficulty in following and observing fledglings and it is even scarcer for brood parasites.We studied the behavior,survival,and age of independence of Shiny Cowbird(Molothrus bonariensis)fledglings raised by 2 hosts that differ markedly in body size:the House Wren(Troglodytes aedon)and the Chalk-Browed Mockingbird(Mimus saturninus).We radio-tracked individuals from a few days before they left the nest until they disappeared from the natal territory.We found:(1)chicks left the nest when they were 11-15 days of age and the age of fledgling did not differ between the 2 host species,(2)after leaving the nest,they spent most of the time perched in a hidden place without begging but as they grew,the proportion of time perched without begging decreased and begging in hidden and exposed places increased,(3)we observed approaches between adult parasitic females and young in host territories,(4)young abandoned the host territory and joined conspecific flocks when they were 35-39 days of age,and(5)the estimated post-fledging survival was between 12.5%and 20.8%.
文摘Gastrointestinal(GI)parasites are a global concern and cause serious damage to the health of animals,including horses,because of their deleterious effects on the health of these animals.Owing to improperly diagnosing the parasitic load and the resulting incorrect treatment,anthelmintics are becoming a global problem.Although rapid diagnostic techniques such as McMaster and FECPAK^(G2) are available in Africa,concentration techniques,including flotation and sedimentation,are commonly used in screening for gastrointestinal parasites.In this study,we compared the sensitivity of diagnostic techniques,namely,McMaster and FECPAK^(G2),in quantifying and determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites as an alternative to the commonly used flotation and sedimentation techniques for equine fecal samples in Jos,Plateau State,Nigeria.Three hundred fecal samples were collected from different locations.The instructions provided by the manufacturers of FECPAK^(G2) and McMasters were used as the methodology for egg count per gram of fecal matter,while parasite egg/ova identification was performed through sedimentation and flotation techniques.In general,a prevalence of 66.3%was recorded,with a higher prevalence on Babale ranch(84%)than on Jos Polo Club(62%)and Jos mounted troop(53%).A total of nine gastrointestinal parasites were identified via both sedimentation and flotation techniques:Strongylus spp.(19.3%)was the most prevalent parasite identified via the flotation method,whereas Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus(25.3%)was the most prevalent parasite identified via the sedimentation technique.In general,FECPAK^(G2) had a sensitivity of 86%,whereas McMaster had a sensitivity of 64%in terms of egg counts per gram of fecal sample.This finding suggests that equines in Jos are highly infected with a variety of gastrointestinal parasites to varying degrees,with Strongylus spp.and Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus being more prevalent.Although the parasite load was found to range from low to moderate levels,the majority of the equine samples contained<200 eggs per gram,suggesting a low infection rate via both the McMaster technique and the FECPAK^(G2) technique.On the basis of these findings,FECPAK^(G2) is recommended for rapid diagnosis because of its prompt outcome and infestation rate as well as ease of routine examination.Additionally,routine examination should be carried out to determine infestation by gastrointestinal parasites in all equine holdings and the effectiveness of the therapeutic agents used.
文摘Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is induced mainly by Echinococcus granulosus and occasionally by Echinococcus multilocularis(alveolaris)and affects the liver predominantly.Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is similar to carcinoma in appearance,and without treatment,it can lead to death.Diagnosis is based on current imaging modalities.Surgical management is the cornerstone of treatment.Complete removal of the cyst(total pericystectomy or hepatectomy)ensures a permanent cure and should be the first-choice treatment for cystic disease.Cyst evacuation,partial cystectomy,and drainage or omentoplasty,may be alternative choices in difficult cases.Albendazole,mebendazole and praziquantel are options for treating small cysts and preventing recurrence after surgery.Despite the efforts,alveolar echinococcus is not usually amenable to surgical management,except in the early stage,which is less common,and management by albendazole is indicated.However,there are few recent reports of major operations(ex-vivo hepatectomy,autotransplantation and vascular reconstruction)in advanced stages.
基金funded by the Education Department of Hainan Province(no.HnjgY 2022-12)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(no.32260127).
文摘Alarm calls in bird vocalizations serve as acoustic signals announcing danger.Owing to the convergent evolution of alarm calls,some bird species can beneft from eavesdropping on certain parameters of alarm calls of other species.Vocal mimicry,displayed by many bird species,aids defense against predators and may help brood parasites during parasitism.In the coevolutionary dynamics between brood parasites,such as the common cuckoo(Cuculus canorus),and their hosts,female cuckoo vocalizations can induce hosts to leave the nest,increasing the probability of successful parasitism and reducing the risk of host attacks.Such cuckoo calls were thought to mimic those of the sparrowhawk.However,owing to their similarity to alarm calls,we propose a new hypothesis:Female cuckoos cheat their hosts by mimicking the parameters of the host alarm call.In this study,we tested this new hypothesis and the sparrowhawk mimicry hypothesis simultaneously by manipulating the syllable rate in male and female common cuckoo vocalizations and playing them in front of the host Oriental reed warbler(Acrocephalus orientalis)for examination.The results indicate that similar to a normal female cuckoo call,a female call with a reduced syllable rate prompted the hosts to leave their nests more frequently and rapidly than male cuckoo calls.Additionally,the male cuckoo calls with increased syllable rate did not prompt the host to leave their nests more frequently or quickly compared with the male cuckoo calls with a normal syllable rate.Our results further confrm that female common cuckoos mimic the vocalizations of Eurasian sparrowhawks(Accipiter nisus),reveal the function mechanisms underlying such mimicry,and support the theory of imperfect mimicry.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFF1304600)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32160242 to JL,32470513 and 32270526 to W.L.)supported by the 2023 Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Youth Science and Technology Support Talent Training Project。
文摘Avian brood parasitism is a unique reproductive behavior in which parasitic birds depend on other species to incubate their eggs and raise their offspring.In China,there are 20 species of cuckoos in the family Cuculidae,order Cuculiformes,of which 17 species are parasitic cuckoos.This makes China one of the countries with the largest number of parasitic cuckoo species worldwide.Understanding the host utilization of cuckoos provides fundamental data for studying the coevolution of cuckoos with their hosts.We collected information on cuckoo hosts from the literature,photographs provided by birdwatchers,and online short video platforms,combined these data with our field observations,and summarized the parasitic cuckoos and their host species in China.A total of 1155 parasitism events were counted,involving 12 parasitic cuckoo species and 87 bird host species.These hosts belonged to 26 families,among which Muscicapidae was the most diverse with 19 species,accounting for 21.8%of the total hosts,followed by the families Phylloscopidae and Leiothrichidae with 8 species each,accounting for 9.2%of the total hosts recorded.The Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus)had the largest number of host taxa with 38 species,accounting for 43.7%of the total host species.This study adds 14 host species that have not been reported in China.However,for five species,the Jacobin Cuckoo(Clamator jacobinus),Banded Bay Cuckoo(Cacomantis sonneratii),Violet Cuckoo(Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus),Common Hawkcuckoo(Hierococcyx varius),and Whistling Hawk-cuckoo(Hierococcyx nisicolor),information regarding host utilization is still lacking.
