Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Anthony Dosseto, Alex Hannan-Joyner, Eron Raines, Eric Gayer, Laurent Michon
Summary: Chemical weathering of basaltic rocks on tropical, basaltic islands is mainly influenced by stable landforms, where pyroxenes and feldspars are progressively replaced by gibbsite and halloysite. The extent of weathering depends on the parent material composition, with complete loss of primary minerals and soluble elements observed in soils developing for up to two million years. However, chemical erosion and CO2 consumption fluxes on Reunion Island suggest that stable landforms play a limited role in chemical weathering, compared to hydrothermal alteration and weathering in rapidly eroding regions. Uranium-series isotopes in weathering profiles validate weathering ages and soil production rates, with production rates decreasing with depth and time elapsed since onset of weathering.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Axel de Mangou, Agathe Combe, Nathalie Coolen-Allou, Guillaume Miltgen, Nicolas Traversier, Olivier Belmonte, David Vandroux, Michel Bohrer, Julien Cousty, Margot Caron, Charles Vidal, Jerome Allyn, Nicolas Allou
Summary: This study evaluated patients with severe CAP in Reunion Island from 2016 to 2018. The most frequently isolated microorganism in patients with severe CAP in Reunion Island is influenza followed by S. pneumoniae. Physicians should be aware that influenza is the main cause of severe CAP in patients living in or returning from Reunion Island.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vincenzo Ferri, Paolo Crescia, Corrado Battisti
Summary: We investigated the impact of discarded bottles on small mammals in a road network in North-Western Sardinia, Italy. Out of 162 bottles, 49 (>30%) contained animal specimens and 26 (16%) trapped 151 small mammals, with insectivorous shrews being the most commonly recorded. Larger bottles showed a higher number of trapped mammals, but the difference compared to smaller bottles was not significant. Abandoned bottles pose a threat to small mammals on this Mediterranean island, attracting endemic shrews and reducing the number and biomass of insectivorous mammals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eva Spitalska, Lenka Minichova, Zuzana Hamsikova, Michal Stanko, Maria Kazimirova
Summary: This study investigated the presence and genetic diversity of Bartonella, Rickettsia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon in fleas feeding on small mammals in different habitats in Slovakia. The results showed that Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and apicomplexan parasites were commonly found in these fleas. The study expands our knowledge of the presence of zoonotic pathogens in fleas and their diversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Boris R. Krasnov, Vasily I. Grabovsky, Irina S. Khokhlova, Maria Fernanda Lopez Berrizbeitia, Sonja Matthee, Uri Roll, Juliana P. Sanchez, Georgy I. Shenbrot, Luther van der Mescht
Summary: This study investigated the latitudinal patterns in species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and functional diversity of fleas and their mammalian hosts. The results showed that these patterns were not universal and varied across different geographic locations and ecological processes. The findings highlight the complexity of latitudinal diversity patterns in parasites and the interplay between ecological and historical factors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan-Mei Chen, Shu-Jian Hu, Xian-Dan Lin, Jun-Hua Tian, Jia-Xin Lv, Miao-Ruo Wang, Xiu-Qi Luo, Yuan-Yuan Pei, Rui-Xue Hu, Zhi-Gang Song, Edward C. Holmes, Yong-Zhen Zhang
Summary: Bats, rodents, and shrews are important animal sources of human infectious diseases. This study identified a large number of novel viruses through sequencing samples from wild bats, rodents, and shrews in China, expanding our understanding of the mammalian virome. The research also revealed phylogenetic diversity, cross-species transmission, origins of viruses, and cases of invertebrate viruses in mammalian hosts.
Article
Microbiology
Alexandra Aubin, Carole Eldin, Nael Zemali, Julien Jaubert, Yatrika Koumar, Marie-Pierre Moiton, Patrice Poubeau, Eric Braunberger, Patrick Gerardin, Antoine Bertolotti
Summary: This retrospective cohort study investigated hospitalized Q fever cases in Reunion Island between 2004 and 2017. The study found that Q fever reaches low to moderate endemic levels in the area, with pulmonary symptoms being the predominant clinical manifestation.
Article
Environmental Studies
Barbara Losen
Summary: This study explores the role of interactions between journalists and stakeholders in the media coverage of shark attack risk. Through interviews with local journalists, scientists, sea users, and environmental activists, the study concludes that enhancing communication and mutual understanding between stakeholders is crucial for effective risk management.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Assel Zakanova, Nurlan Yerzhanov, Yuri Litvinov
Summary: The article highlights the significant decline in mammal populations in the industrial areas of Kazakhstan. The research aims to investigate the impact of technogenic pollution on Rodents and Insectivores in Northern Kazakhstan. The analysis of small mammal species composition in technogenic territories revealed a decrease in biodiversity and simplified structure due to increased anthropogenic influence and proximity to emission sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ivan Balaz, Michal Sevcik, Filip Tulis, Martina Zigova, Alexander Dudich
Summary: This study analyzed the distribution and diversity of fleas along an elevational gradient, finding a unimodal pattern of flea diversity. Seasonality significantly influences changes in biodiversity, with specific flea species impacted by their hosts. Additionally, environmental conditions have a more pronounced effect on opportunistic flea species.
Letter
Immunology
Alize Mercier, David A. Wilkinson, Camille Lebarbenchon, Patrick Mavingui, Luce Yemadje-Menudier
Summary: In January 2021, a genomic surveillance system was established on Reunion Island to track the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variants of concern. This system identified 22 SARS-CoV-2 lineages, with 71% attributed to the Beta variant.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Samuel Jannel, Yanis Caro, Marc Bermudes, Thomas Petit
Summary: This study aimed to search for microalgae strains capable of producing and accumulating astaxanthin within the freshwater biodiversity of Reunion Island. The results showed that strains belonging to the Haematococcus and Dysmorphococcus genera were able to produce astaxanthin under light and nutritional stress conditions. This finding is significant for the industrial production of natural astaxanthin in Reunion Island.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Helene Chabas, Viktor Mueller, Sebastian Bonhoeffer, Roland R. R. Regoes
Summary: Bacteria have adaptive immunity against phages through CRISPR-Cas immune systems. Different types of CRISPR-Cas systems have molecular differences that affect the outcome of phage infection and the evolutionary pressure. The probability of acquiring resistance spacer plays a crucial role in phage extinction. Type III CRISPR-Cas systems exhibit a rapid phage extinction driven by spacer acquisition, while type I/II systems have a threshold-like behavior. Autoimmunity affects the acquisition rates. In a biologically relevant parameter range, type III systems can outcompete type I/II systems with a slightly higher acquisition probability.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anne Sophie Davidson, Bruno Malet-Damour, Jean Philippe Praene
Summary: This article presents a new method of microclimate zoning using statistical analysis and GIS-based spatial interpolation. The method was tested on Reunion Island and proved to be applicable in various areas, providing more accurate climatic maps.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Julio Haji, Atilla Ferreguetti, Ricardo S. Bovendorp, Rafael S. Bueno, Fernando Goncalves, Mauro Galetti
Summary: Introducing species to areas without top-down control can be disastrous for ecosystems. A study on tropical forest-dwelling mammals found that some introduced species became extinct while others experienced population explosions. The lack of top predators on the island contributed to the rapid population growth of certain introduced mammals.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Keneth Iceland Kasozi, Anne Laudisoit, Lawrence Obado Osuwat, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Naif E. Al Omairi, Eric Aigbogun, Herbert Izo Ninsiima, Ibe Michael Usman, Lisa M. DeTora, Ewan Thomas MacLeod, Halima Nalugo, Francis P. Crawley, Barbara E. Bierer, Daniel Chans Mwandah, Charles Drago Kato, Kenedy Kiyimba, Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua, Linda Lillian, Kevin Matama, Shui Ching Nelly Mak, David Onanyang, Theophilus Pius, David Paul Nalumenya, Robinson Ssebuufu, Nina Olivia Rugambwa, Grace Henry Musoke, Kevin Bardosh, Juma John Ochieng, Fred Ssempijja, Patrick Kyamanywa, Gabriel Tumwine, Khalid J. Alzahrani, Susan Christina Welburn
Summary: The study revealed low levels of knowledge, confidence, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in Uganda, especially among those with higher wealth and educational status. There is also a high level of skepticism and potential community resistance towards DNA recombinant vaccines and herbal treatments. The findings underscore the need for increased transparency and inclusive participation to address these issues before new trials of COVID-19 vaccines are conducted.
Article
Zoology
Christopher D. Barratt, Jack D. Lester, Paolo Gratton, Renske E. Onstein, Ammie K. Kalan, Maureen S. McCarthy, Gaelle Bocksberger, Lauren C. White, Linda Vigilant, Paula Dieguez, Barrie Abdulai, Thierry Aebischer, Anthony Agbor, Alfred K. Assumang, Emma Bailey, Mattia Bessone, Bartelijntje Buys, Joana S. Carvalho, Rebecca Chancellor, Heather Cohen, Emmanuel Danquah, Tobias Deschner, Zacharie N. Dongmo, Osiris A. Doumbe, Jef Dupain, Chris S. Duvall, Manasseh Eno-Nku, Gilles Etoga, Anh Galat-Luong, Rosa Garriga, Sylvain Gatti, Andrea Ghiurghi, Annemarie Goedmakers, Anne-Celine Granjon, Dismas Hakizimana, Josephine Head, Daniela Hedwig, Ilka Herbinger, Veerle Hermans, Sorrel Jones, Jessica Junker, Parag Kadam, Mohamed Kambi, Ivonne Kienast, Celestin Y. Kouakou, Kouame P. N'Goran, Kevin E. Langergraber, Juan Lapuente, Anne Laudisoit, Kevin C. Lee, Fiona Maisels, Nadia Mirghani, Deborah Moore, Bethan Morgan, David Morgan, Emily Neil, Sonia Nicholl, Louis Nkembi, Anne Ntongho, Christopher Orbell, Lucy Jayne Ormsby, Liliana Pacheco, Alex K. Piel, Lilian Pintea, Andrew J. Plumptre, Aaron Rundus, Crickette Sanz, Volker Sommer, Tenekwetche Sop, Fiona A. Stewart, Jacqueline Sunderland-Groves, Nikki Tagg, Angelique Todd, Els Ton, Joost van Schijndel, Hilde VanLeeuwe, Elleni Vendras, Adam Welsh, Jose F. C. Wenceslau, Erin G. Wessling, Jacob Willie, Roman M. Wittig, Nakashima Yoshihiro, Yisa Ginath Yuh, Kyle Yurkiw, Christophe Boesch, Mimi Arandjelovic, Hjalmar Kuhl
Summary: The study used paleoclimate reconstructions to investigate changes in habitat suitability for chimpanzees during the late Quaternary period. They found potentially underestimated glacial refugia for chimpanzees, with previously unrecognized areas of up to approximately 60,000 km(2), which coincided with higher species richness of figs and palms. The results provide insights into the role of refugia across the chimpanzee range, serving as an empirical foundation for further research on behavioral, ecological, and genetic diversity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Steve Ngoy, Adama Zan Diarra, Anne Laudisoit, Guy-Crispin Gembu, Erik Verheyen, Onesime Mubenga, Sylvestre Gambalemoke Mbalitini, Pascal Baelo, Maureen Laroche, Philippe Parola
Summary: The study evaluated the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify different tick species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, demonstrating a high level of reproducibility and specificity in tick identification. The results confirmed the precision and reliability of MALDI-TOF MS for tick identification through comparison with morphological and molecular approaches.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charles Kumakamba, Fabien R. Niama, Francisca Muyembe, Jean-Vivien Mombouli, Placide Mbala Kingebeni, Rock Aime Nina, Ipos Ngay Lukusa, Gerard Bounga, Frida N'Kawa, Cynthia Goma Nkoua, Joseph Atibu Losoma, Prime Mulembakani, Maria Makuwa, Ubald Tamufe, Amethyst Gillis, Matthew LeBreton, Sarah H. Olson, Kenneth Cameron, Patricia Reed, Alain Ondzie, Alex Tremeau-Bravard, Brett R. Smith, Jasmine Pante, Bradley S. Schneider, David J. McIver, James A. Ayukekbong, Nicole A. Hoff, Anne W. Rimoin, Anne Laudisoit, Corina Monagin, Tracey Goldstein, Damien O. Joly, Karen Saylors, Nathan D. Wolfe, Edward M. Rubin, Romain Bagamboula MPassi, Jean J. Muyembe Tamfum, Christian E. Lange
Summary: Bats are important sources of coronaviruses, and there is a potential for cross-species transmission of coronaviruses in the Congo Basin in Africa. The detection of coronavirus RNA in 121 out of 3,561 wild animals was mainly from bats, with some being very similar to known coronaviruses and others potentially representing novel viruses.
Article
Entomology
Cyrille Lebon, Haoues Alout, Stanislas Zafihita, Jean-Sebastien Dehecq, Mylene Weill, Pablo Tortosa, Celestine Atyame
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of Dieldrin resistance in mosquito populations on Reunion Island and finds higher resistance frequencies in urbanized areas and at lower altitudes.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Alfred Dusabimana, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Michel Mandro Ndahura, Bruno P. Mmbando, Stephen Raimon Jada, Annelies Boven, Eric De Smet, Tony Ukety, Alfred K. Njamnshi, Anne Laudisoit, Steven Abrams, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Through surveys and antibody testing in onchocerciasis-endemic villages, it was found that there is a correlation between high epilepsy prevalence and high Onchocerca volvulus antibody seroprevalence among children aged 6-10. However, in some areas, there is a higher epilepsy prevalence but lower Ov16 antibody seroprevalence among young children, which may be due to a decrease in the Simulium vector population caused by deforestation.
Article
Ecology
Yann Gomard, Haoues Alout, Cyrille Lebon, Anne Latreille, Aude Benlali, Patrick Mavingui, Pablo Tortosa, Celestine Atyame
Summary: Understanding the dynamics of insecticide resistance genes in mosquito populations is crucial for sustainable use of insecticides. This study investigates dieldrin resistance in Aedes albopictus populations on Reunion Island, finding that the resistance gene persists at low frequencies and exhibits cross-reactivity with the widely used insecticide fipronil. The study also reveals fitness costs associated with the resistance allele, suggesting a combined effect of fitness costs and selection by environmental insecticides on the persistence of dieldrin resistance.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Javati, Vanina Guernier-Cambert, Marinjho Jonduo, Sinafa Robby, Jobb Kimopa, Tobias Maure, Emma S. McBryde, William Pomat, Ken Aplin, Kristofer M. Helgen, Mohammad Yazid Abdad, Paul F. Horwood
Summary: Leptospirosis is a common bacterial zoonosis globally. Rodents are the primary reservoirs, but bats have also been implicated as potential reservoirs. A survey in Papua New Guinea found a high proportion of bats carrying leptospires, with different types of leptospires detected in different host species. Further research is needed to understand the circulation dynamics of leptospires in reservoir species and the risks to public and veterinary health in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific regions.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rory J. Post, Anne Laudisoit, Michel Mandro, Thomson Lakwo, Christine Laemmer, Kenneth Pfarr, Achim Hoerauf, Pablo Tortosa, Yann Gomard, Tony Ukety, Claude Mande, Lorne Farovitch, Uche Amazigo, Didier Bakajika, David W. Oguttu, Naomi Awaca, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study characterised the vector in the Kakoi-Koda hyper-endemic focus of onchocerciasis, identifying Simulium dentulosum as the main vector and Simulium vorax as a secondary vector. Other blackfly species were found to be rare in the area. The findings highlight the importance of understanding and controlling the disease in this isolated focus.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Even Bysveen Mjolnerod, Erwan Lagadec, Are Nylund
Summary: Candidatus Branchiomonas cysticola is a prevalent bacterial agent causing epitheliocystis in Atlantic salmon. Through Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) using newly identified housekeeping genes and ribosomal subunit sequences, it has been found that the bacterium is affiliated with Nitrosomodales rather than Burkholderiales. The phylogenetic distinction between Candidatus B. cysticola and its closest related type strain suggests the proposal of a novel bacterial family named Branchiomonaceae.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Are Nylund, Thomas Kloster-Jensen, Faezeh Mohammadi, Erwan Lagadec, Heidrun Plarre
Summary: In 2006, the first poxvirus associated with salmon, salmonid gill poxvirus (SGPV), was identified in Norway. Through genome sequencing, eight variable regions were identified that can be used to distinguish strains of SGPV and determine their phylogenetic relationship.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Erwan Lagadec, Even Bysveen Mjolnerod, oyvind Marius Jensen, Heidrun Plarre, Are Nylund
Summary: Since 2014, clinical signs of red skin disease (RSD) have been observed in Atlantic salmon in Swedish rivers. This study identified several potential pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and oomycetes, associated with the disease. The concurrent isolation of different bacterial strains suggests the involvement of Aeromonas spp. in RSD, although further experiments are needed for confirmation.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Sarah Scussel, Benjamin Gaudillat, Jeremy Esnault, Quentin Lejarre, Marianne Duployer, Daouia Messaoudi, Patrick Mavingui, Pablo Tortosa, Julien Cattel
Summary: The development of sterile-male programs for mosquito control faces challenges, and genetic sexing strategies offer cost and space benefits by removing females at the larval stage. A genetic sexing strain in Aedes albopictus was developed, which confers dieldrin resistance in males only. By optimizing dieldrin selection, the toxicity of dieldrin exposure was reduced while maintaining efficient sexing and lowering the levels of dieldrin residues in adult males to barely quantifiable levels.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yann Gomard, Steven M. Goodman, Voahangy Soarimalala, Magali Turpin, Guenaelle Lenclume, Marion Ah-Vane, Christopher D. Golden, Pablo Tortosa
Summary: Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira, is a bacterial zoonosis that is maintained in infected animals and contaminates the environment through urine. The investigation of leptospirosis in Madagascar's native mammal fauna has revealed a diversity of Leptospira with high levels of host-specificity. This study expands the investigation and confirms the presence of L. mayottensis in Malagasy tenrecids.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kayla Kauffman, Courtney S. Werner, Georgia Titcomb, Michelle Pender, Jean Yves Rabezara, James P. Herrera, Julie Teresa Shapiro, Alma Solis, Voahangy Soarimalala, Pablo Tortosa, Randall Kramer, James Moody, Peter J. Mucha, Charles Nunn
Summary: Social and spatial network analysis is an important approach for investigating infectious disease transmission. The study found that social network surveys provide important scaffolding for understanding disease transmission pathways, but miss contact-specific heterogeneities revealed by spatial data.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)