Article
Entomology
Sheng-Yen Wu, Larry W. Duncan
Summary: The effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for managing insect pests can vary depending on the combination of species used. Differences in dispersal rates between conspecific and heterospecific EPN species may contribute to these varying outcomes. Our study found that the dispersal rates of different EPN species were significantly different, independent of body mass or foraging strategy. Additionally, interspecific communication between EPNs appeared to affect both orientation and dispersal rates, potentially impacting their effectiveness for biological control and overall fitness.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Simbarashe Chitanga, Kennedy Chibesa, Karen Sichibalo, Benjamin Mubemba, King S. Nalubamba, Walter Muleya, Katendi Changula, Edgar Simulundu
Summary: This study discovered the presence of Rickettsia pathogens in ticks infesting livestock in southern Zambia, including Rickettsia africae, R. aeschlimannii-like species, and unidentified species. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness of these infections in Zambia's public health systems.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Shawn McEachin, Jonathan P. Drury, Christopher N. Anderson, Gregory F. Grether
Summary: Species can avoid costly fights by differentiating territorial signals and microhabitat preferences.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Robert Reuter, Olga Ferlian, Mika Tarkka, Nico Eisenhauer, Karin Pritsch, Judy Simon
Summary: The inorganic and organic nitrogen acquisition of temperate tree species is found to be influenced more by the competitive environment and availability of specific nitrogen sources in the soil rather than the type of mycorrhizal association.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna Omazic, Seungeun Han, Ann Albihn, Karin Ullman, Phimphanit Choklikitumnuey, Debora Perissinotto, Giulio Grandi
Summary: Environmental and climatic changes in northern Europe have led to the establishment of new tick species and the introduction of new tick-borne pathogens. A study in northern Sweden collected ticks from different hosts in 2018 and 2019, revealing the geographical distribution and dominance of specific tick species. The results showed an expansion in the distribution area of Ixodes persulcatus compared to previous reports.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuhang Du, Qiaoqiao Zhou, Zenghui Peng, Fangcheng Peng, Lianlian Xi, Youzhi Li
Summary: This study compared the competitive abilities of the widespread species Phragmites australis and the endemic species Triarrhena lutarioriparia in the Dongting Lake wetlands. Field monitoring and manipulation experiments showed that P. australis had higher competitive ability in submerged habitats and lower competitive ability in non-submerged habitats. The niche differences between the two species enabled their coexistence in the wetlands.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Sheng Pan, Xiao-Ming Cui, Li-Feng Du, Luo-Yuan Xia, Chun-Hong Du, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Ming-Zhu Zhang, Dai-Yun Zhu, Yi Dong, Wei Wei, Lin Zhao, Yi Sun, Qing-Yu Lv, Run-Ze Ye, Zhi-Hai He, Qian Wang, Liang-Jing Li, Ming-Guo Yao, Tao Xiong, Jia-Fu Jiang, Wu-Chun Cao, Na Jia
Summary: This study identified two Rickettsia species in Haemaphysalis montgomeryi ticks and confirmed co-infection in 25.6% of field-collected ticks. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that one species of Rickettsia overwhelmed the other in cell culture infection models, indicating potential differences in their interactions with the host.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jing Yang, Jiahui Lu, RenRen Wang, Xihua Wang, Shaopeng Li, Guochun Shen
Summary: This study investigated the responses of mean trait values of 11 tree species to reduced light and interspecific competition, showing substantial changes in trait differences, community-weighted means, and functional diversity. Incorporating these trait responses improved the identification of effects of low light and interspecific competition on community structure, revealing that strong abiotic filters could promote trait divergence if trait responses were considered. This emphasizes the importance of incorporating species mean trait value responses in trait-based community ecology for a more accurate and sensitive understanding of ecological mechanisms.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Francesco Ferretti, Raquel Oliveira, Mariana Rossa, Irene Belardi, Giada Pacini, Sara Mugnai, Niccolo Fattorini, Lorenzo Lazzeri
Summary: This study investigated the feeding habits of wolves on small carnivores and found that there was temporal and spatial overlap between the two, which suggests that the negative impact of wolves on small carnivores is limited.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Guizong Zhang, Hao Yang, Weiping Zhang, T. Martijn Bezemer, Wenju Liang, Qi Li, Long Li
Summary: A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of intercropping systems on soil biota. It was found that intercropped maize soils had increased complexity and robustness of soil networks, while densities of plant parasitic nematodes and β-glucosidase activity were reduced. Intercropped soybean soils had lower C availability, but showed an increase in saprophytic fungi and plant parasitic nematodes compared to monoculture soils.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu-Han Chen, Xin-Sheng Sun, Yuan Cui, Na Zhuo, Guan-Wen Wei, Fang-Li Luo, Ming-Xiang Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of flooding on the intraspecific and interspecific competition of two riparian species. It was found that flooding and competition negatively influenced the growth and photosynthetic capacities of Polygonum hydropiper. Flooding interacted with competition to explain total biomass, with interspecific competition significantly decreasing chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency of plants.
Article
Agronomy
Antonino Cusumano, Ezio Peri, Tugcan Alinc, Stefano Colazza
Summary: This study examined the impact of extrinsic competition on host utilization and coexistence between two parasitoid species. The results showed that egg mass size was an important predictor of extrinsic competition, and reproductive traits of the parasitoid species contributed to their competitive advantage in different-sized egg masses. This study highlights the importance of considering extrinsic competitive interactions between parasitoid species in biological pest control.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Lindsy R. Ciepiela, Ryan M. Fitzpatrick, Samuel T. Lewis, Yoichiro Kanno
Summary: The study found that the thermal preference for the Glacial relict northern redbelly dace was 24.3 degrees Celsius within the experimental chamber, but increased to 1.7 degrees Celsius after the introduction of the Western mosquitofish. Additionally, contrary to expectations, more agonistic interactions were initiated by the native fish towards the invasive species.
Article
Biology
Ryo Yamaguchi, Yoh Iwasa, Yuuya Tachiki
Summary: Species diversity in an archipelagic system is determined by the balance of speciation, extinction, and migration. As species numbers increase, average population size per species decreases, leading to higher extinction probabilities. In a study using a multi-species two-island model, it was found that migration plays a crucial role in affecting the rate of recurrent speciation events, potentially stabilizing species numbers at a finite level.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Valentina Zini, Kristin Waber, Paul M. Dolman
Summary: This study examines the potential effects of interspecific competition from introduced and naturally colonizing species on resident populations of Roe Deer. The results show that the density of Reeve's Muntjac is lower at higher densities of Mediterranean Fallow Deer, indicating interspecific avoidance through interference competition. However, the density of Reeve's Muntjac is greater in areas with more arable land. Body mass and fertility of Roe Deer are marginally influenced by arable land but are not significantly affected by deer densities. Intriguingly, Roe Deer fertility is slightly higher in areas with greater local Roe Deer density but lower in areas with greater Reeve's Muntjac densities, suggesting that interspecific competition outweighs intraspecific competition in this assemblage.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Boris R. Krasnov, Luther van der Mescht, Sonja Matthee, Irina S. Khokhlova
Summary: In this study, the patterns of phylogenetic and functional (dis)similarity in the species composition of host spectra between co-habitating generalist flea species from four continents were investigated using a new ordination approach. The results showed that phylogenetic similarity was highest in Africa, lowest in North America, and moderate in Europe and Asia. Functional similarity was low for shelter structure but high for body mass and basal metabolic rate in most assemblages. The main drivers of (dis)similarity in host spectra were found to be host phylogeny and shelter structure, although the effects varied across continents.
Review
Parasitology
Apolline Maitre, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Juste Azelyte, Vaidas Palinauskas, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Dasiel Obregon, Adnan Hodzic, Claire Valiente Moro, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jean-Christophe Paoli, Alessandra Falchi, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Human and animal pathogens transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, are a global concern. Control measures using acaricides are threatened by resistance in vector populations. Alternative strategies that target the vector microbiota and interfere with pathogen development are encouraged. Understanding the immune functions of host antibodies and disrupting the vector microbiota open up possibilities for novel transmission-blocking vaccines.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jake M. Mulvaney, Michael Cherry, Conrad A. Matthee
Summary: The study reveals the impact of Pleistocene climate shifts on the genetic diversity and population structure of forest-dependent bird species in subtropical Afromontane and scarp forests in south-eastern South Africa. It suggests that these forests served as refugia for subtropical African avian forest biota during the late Pleistocene.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Deon K. Bakkes, Dikeledi E. Matloa, Ben J. Mans, Conrad A. Matthee
Summary: Distinct life stages and host-use strategies have significant effects on the morphology and developmental trajectories of Rhipicephalus ticks. The shape of the basal mouthpart structure is correlated with host size, with species using large hosts at early stages exhibiting adaptive features. However, species using small hosts at early stages have lost these features. Additionally, the developmental trajectories differ between different host-use strategies.
ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jose de la Fuente
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases have a global impact on human and animal health. This study used scientometric analysis to evaluate trends and gaps in anti-tick vaccine research. The analysis revealed the need for new candidates for vaccine development, the lack of participation from African and Asian countries, and the importance of sustained and integrated research.
Article
Entomology
Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: This study identifies the climate niches for Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes in Europe and analyzes their distribution within these areas. It found that the amount of water in the air and accumulated temperature are key factors influencing the distribution of these ticks.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Sharon McElroy, Kaitlyn Morse
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasing in the United States, including New Hampshire, with an ongoing four-year crowdsourcing program providing valuable data. The study recorded the species, prevalence, and distribution of ticks, as well as their associated pathogens. The findings highlighted the distinct patterns of emergence and activity of different tick species, emphasizing the importance of tick prevention during peak seasons. State-wide maps were created to visualize the differences in tick distribution within administrative divisions.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Forde, Sophie von Der Heyden, Alan Le Moan, Erica S. Nielsen, Deon Durholtz, Paulus Kainge, Johannes N. Kathena, Marek R. Lipinski, Hilkka O. N. Ndjaula, Conrad A. Matthee, Romina Henriques
Summary: Genomic information can be used to establish sustainable management plans for commercially exploited marine fishes, such as the southern African hakes. The study found that the two hake species, M. capensis and M. paradoxus, have similar levels of genomic diversity but exhibit different population structures. The findings provide valuable insights for conservation and management efforts for these commercially important species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alaster Samkange, Simbarashe Chitanga, Georgina N. Tjipura-Zaire, Vimanuka G. Mutjavikua, Jan W. Smith, Luis Neves, Tshepo Matjila
Summary: This study reports for the first time the serological evidence of bovine neosporosis and the associated risk factors in Namibia. It contributes to the limited scientific knowledge on N. caninum in Africa.
ONDERSTEPOORT JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claude Saegerman, Marie-France Humblet, Marc Leandri, Gaelle Gonzalez, Paul Heyman, Hein Sprong, Monique L'Hostis, Sara Moutailler, Sarah I. Bonnet, Nadia Haddad, Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen Leib, Thierry Hoch, Etienne Thiry, Laure Bournez, Jana Kerlik, Aurelie Velay, Solveig Jore, Elsa Jourdain, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Katharina Brugger, Julia Geller, Marie Studahl, Natasa Knap, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Daniel P. Ruzek, Tizza Zomer, Rene Bodker, Thomas F. H. Berger, Sandra Martin-Latil, Nick De Regge, Alice A. Raffetin, Sandrine Lacour, Matthias Klein, Tinne Lernout, Elsa Quillery, Zdenek Hubalek, Francisco Ruiz-Fons, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Philippe Fravalo, Pauline Kooh, Florence Etore, Celine M. Gossner, Bethan Purse
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an endemic viral disease in Eurasia, primarily transmitted to humans through ticks and occasionally through unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported an increase in TBE incidence over the years, as well as its emergence in new areas. Through expert knowledge elicitation, we identified nine key drivers for TBE emergence and increased incidence, including changes in human behavior, eating habits, landscape, humidity, difficulty in controlling reservoirs and vectors, temperature, wildlife compartments, increase in autochthonous wild mammals, and distribution of tick species vectors.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Agustin Estrada-Pena
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Sarah Kelly, Yalun Dong, Wei Wang, Sonja Matthee, Jeanette M. Wentzel, Lance A. Durden, Renfu Shao
Summary: This study reveals genetic differences among lice parasitizing African savanna elephants and Asian elephants, despite being considered the same species based on morphology. The mitochondrial gene sequence divergences between these lice were found to be much higher than expected within a species, indicating possible co-divergence and co-evolution with their elephant hosts.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Conrad A. Matthee, Anandi Bierman, Boris R. Krasnov, Sonja Matthee, Luther van der Mescht
Summary: This study conducted a metagenetic analysis of flea samples collected from different sampling sites in South Africa, and found that the bacterial diversity of the parasites is influenced by host species and environmental factors. Differences in microbiome compositions were observed between different flea species and across geographic sampling sites, with temperature and humidity identified as potentially important environmental factors.
Review
Microbiology
Jose de la Fuente, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Marta Rafael, Consuelo Almazan, Sergio Bermudez, Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset, Paul D. Kasaija, Fredrick Kabi, Foluke Adedayo Akande, Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe, Timothy Bamgbose, Srikant Ghosh, Azhahianambi Palavesam, Penny H. Hamid, Charlotte L. Oskam, Siobhon L. Egan, Amanda Duarte-Barbosa, Olcay Hekimoglu, Matias P. J. Szabo, Marcelo B. Labruna, Ananta Dahal
Summary: In this comprehensive review study, the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting global human and animal health was addressed. Data and perspectives from different countries and regions were collected to update the current situation with ticks and TBDs and highlight the existing information bias and gaps perceived by society. The study emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations in advancing surveillance, communication, and proposed future directions to address these challenges.