Article
Ecology
Kristin E. Sloyer, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
Summary: Researchers developed a novel trapping system to effectively collect vector species from non-tame animals, with a 94% activation accuracy when host animals approached. The diversity and richness of Culicoides species differed between sensor traps and control traps, with more vector species captured in sensor traps. This new system provides a promising approach to studying vector-host systems.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Luis Paulo Costa Carvalho, Antonio Marques Pereira Junior, Paula Frassinetti Medeiros de Paulo, Geisiane Santos Silva, Glaucilene da Silva Costa, Moises Thiago de Souza Freitas, Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa, Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
Summary: This study used molecular tools to evaluate the blood meal sources of Culicoides biting midges from sylvatic environments in Brazil, identifying a high diversity of blood meal sources. The abundance of Culicoides in the canopy may be related to the fact that the majority of blood meal hosts feed in treetops. The study enhances our knowledge of the feeding profile of biting midges from forest environments and can help define zoonotic transmission cycles in the future.
Review
Ornithology
Luchang Zhang, Xingjian Ma, Zhiyu Chen, Chunying Wang, Zicheng Liu, Xiang Li, Xiaoying Xing
Summary: Artificial nest boxes are widely used to attract birds for nesting and breeding in specific locations, playing a significant role in avian ecology research and attracting insectivorous birds. However, research indicates that artificial nest boxes can have adverse effects on avian breeding success, yet this issue has received limited attention. A review of 321 research papers published from 2003 to 2022 on artificial nest boxes was conducted, highlighting the drawbacks and misuses in the design and placement of these boxes. Inappropriate selection of nest boxes reduced bird attraction and breeding success. Shortcomings were found in the construction material, color, smell, and structural design of the boxes, as well as their densities, locations, orientations, and management strategies. Recommendations for more efficient and safer artificial nest boxes are proposed for future avian ecology research and bird conservation.
Article
Entomology
Pairot Pramual, Panya Jomkumsing, Komgrit Wongpakam, Kotchaphon Vaisusuk, Wasupon Chatan, Bhuvadol Gomontean
Summary: This study used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences as genetic markers to evaluate the level of genetic diversity and the genetic structure of Culicoides mahasarakhamense from Thailand. Results showed that the level of genetic diversity was relatively high, but most populations were not genetically different. However, one population from northern Thailand was found to be genetically highly different from others, possibly due to historical population isolation and geographic distance separation.
Article
Forestry
Sophia Hochrein, Oliver Mitesser, Andrew M. Liebhold, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Benjamin M. L. Leroy, Hans Pretzsch, Torben Hilmers, Dominik Rabl, Joerg Mueller
Summary: This study investigated the effects of pest control activities on cavity nesting bird nest boxes. While the density of L. dispar decreased, it had no effect on early broods but had a negative impact on late broods. This impact may be due to increased parental effort from birds in response to caterpillar shortages during the first brood, resulting in a reduced number of second broods.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lei Zhang, Luming Bai, Juan Wang, Dongmei Wan, Wei Liang
Summary: The study found that the occupation rates of nest boxes were positively correlated with nest box height, openness, and the proportion of conifers. Nest boxes hanging on conifer trees were more likely to be occupied compared to those on deciduous trees and wooden telegraph poles, especially in woodland with a higher ratio of conifers and open space in front of the nest.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Agnieszka Zablotni, Adam Kalinski, Michal Gladalski, Marcin Markowski, Joanna Skwarska, Jaroslaw Wawrzyniak, Jerzy Banbura
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial loads of nest boxes and found that the interior bacterial load was higher in the nest boxes used for breeding in the previous season, especially in the forest area. The presence of nests in the previous breeding season and the study site influenced the bacterial load of the nest box.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Abayomi Ayotunde Ayoade, Mohammed Olanrewaju Ibrahim
Summary: In order to control rabies transmission in Nigeria, the Lagos state government initiated a mass vaccination campaign for 1.5 million dogs in 2021. Through the development of a mathematical model and analysis, it was found that factors such as vaccine efficacy and dog recruitment rate greatly affect the success of the vaccination program. Simulations demonstrated that integrating screening measures and targeting 60% of the dog population in the vaccination campaign can effectively control rabies transmission in Lagos state.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael S. S. Waring, L. James Lo, Michael A. A. Kohanski, Elizabeth Kahle, Ian M. M. Marcus, Heather Smith, Kara L. L. Spiller, Sharon L. L. Walker
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased interest in infectious aerosols and the need for devices to protect healthcare workers. This study developed an aerosol bio-containment device (ABCD) to control and remove aerosols. Testing in an environmental chamber showed that the ABCD effectively contained aerosols when used correctly. When combined with other protective equipment, the ABCD can significantly reduce airborne clinical exposure.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jinmei Liu, Fangfang Zhang, Xuan Zhang, Wei Liang
Summary: A recent study found that some secondary cavity-nesting birds cover their eggs with nest material during their foraging period. This egg-covering behavior helps regulate nest temperature and prevent predation or parasitism. The study set up nest boxes with different treatments to test the hypothesis that egg covering prevents nest usurpation. The results showed that nest boxes with moss covering had the lowest egg predation rates, suggesting that egg-covering behavior delays the entry of competitors and accelerates the departure of encroachers from the nest.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kazhal Karimi, Amin Sadeghi, Mostafa Maroufpoor, Abdolbaset Azizi
Summary: This study evaluated the resistance of tobacco plants to tobacco aphids by silencing the 2b gene in cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)-infected plants. The results showed that silencing CMV-2b can induce resistance to tobacco aphids.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Konstantinos Konstantinidis, Maria Bampali, Michael de Courcy Williams, Nikolas Dovrolis, Elisavet Gatzidou, Pavlos Papazilakis, Andreas Nearchou, Stavroula Veletza, Ioannis Karakasiliotis
Summary: This study analyzed the RNA virome of 10 Culicoides species in the Thrace region of southeastern Europe, identifying 14 novel RNA viruses with significant differences from previously known viruses. Each Culicoides species carried a specific set of viruses, some of which were related to viruses from other insect vectors in the same area.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marco Severi, Francesco Zerbetto
Summary: The ground state conformational isomerization in polyenes is a symmetry allowed process. The low energy barrier is controlled by electron density transfer, leading to the destabilization of the transition state along the reaction pathway. The coupling between the electric field of the nanocavity and the molecular wave function modifies the potential energy curve in unexpected ways, influencing the planar conformations of the reactant.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jorge Alvar, Margriet den Boer, Daniel Argaw Dagne
Summary: East Africa is the most affected region by visceral leishmaniasis globally, but lacks a regional approach for its elimination as a public health problem. The WHO's goal is to reduce mortality caused by the disease to less than 1%, which requires expanding diagnosis, treatment, and personal protection methods in East Africa. However, investment and collaboration for developing necessary tools are currently limited in the region.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francisco Valera, Radovan Vaclav
Summary: Phenotypic plasticity can assist organisms in persisting in modified habitats, with nest type and social-ecological factors playing a significant role in the survival of adult and offspring birds. Nest-box programs may influence population dynamics and habitat selection criteria.
AVIAN CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Jan Stefka, Jan Votypka, Julius Lukes, Ondrej Balvin
Summary: Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects that have made a comeback in the past two decades due to insecticide resistance and increased human mobility.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paulina Maria Lesiczka, Ondrej Danek, David Modry, Kristyna Hrazdilova, Jan Votypka, Ludek Zurek
Summary: This study reports the finding and molecular identification of important virus vectors H. marginatum and H. rufipes from horses in different regions of Czech Republic, indicating their possible introduction from their natural range by migratory birds into Central and Western Europe. Due to their vector competence and potential expansion into new areas, surveillance programs in Europe are recommended.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Petr Linhart, Hana Bandouchova, Jan Zukal, Jan Votypka, Vojtech Balaz, Tomas Heger, Vendula Kalocsanyiova, Aneta Kubickova, Monika Nemcova, Jana Sedlackova, Veronika Seidlova, Lucie Veitova, Anton Vlaschenko, Renata Divinova, Jiri Pikula
Summary: The co-existence of bats with various infectious agents is related to their evolutionary history and physiology. This study examined the influence of trypanosomes and babesias on the health of Noctule bats using PCR analysis of blood samples collected during hibernation and the post-hibernation period. The prevalence of trypanosomes and babesia was found to be 44% and 8% respectively. The analysis showed that babesia had an impact on the acid-base balance in hibernating bats, while trypanosomes did not significantly affect the health status. Despite being infected, Babeisa-positive bats survived hibernation without showing any clinical signs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ambar Kachale, Zuzana Pavlikova, Anna Nenarokova, Adriana Roithova, Ignacio M. Durante, Petra Miletinova, Kristina Zahonova, Serafim Nenarokov, Jan Votypka, Eva Horakova, Robert L. Ross, Vyacheslav Yurchenko, Petra Beznoskova, Zdenek Paris, Leos Shivaya Valasek, Julius Lukes
Summary: The study discovered that Blastocrithidia nonstop, a protist, lacks in-frame stop codons in its genes. It is believed that UGA was previously a stop codon, but has now been reprogrammed as a tryptophan codon due to a deficiency in one of the bases. A mutation in a gene called B. nonstop release factor 1 was also found to restrict recognition of UGA, thereby enhancing its reassignment.
Article
Parasitology
Milena Svobodova, Ivan Cepicka, Lenka Zidkova, Aysheshm Kassahun, Jan Votypka, Lubomir Peske, Kristyna Hrazdilova, Jana Brzonova, Petr Vorisek, Karel Weidinger
Summary: The study on blood parasites in the breeding population of Eurasian sparrowhawk in Prague reveals high parasite diversity and turnover among individuals.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Barbara Tuska-Szalay, Gabor Sipos, Nora Takacs, Jeno Kontschan, Attila D. Sandor, Aron Peter, Krisztian Berta, Adam Kerek, Akos Jerzsele, Jan Votypka, Sandor Hornok
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of Trichomonas gallinae, a protozoan parasite, in bird populations in southeastern Europe. The results showed that this parasite is widely distributed among pigeons and doves, particularly in racing pigeons. Interestingly, the study found that high infection rates were not associated with clinical symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of conducting epidemiological monitoring in trading-breeding places of pigeons.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ambar Kachale, Zuzana Pavlikova, Anna Nenarokova, Adriana Roithova, Ignacio M. Durante, Petra Miletinova, Kristina Zahonova, Serafim Nenarokov, Jan Votypka, Eva Horakova, Robert L. Ross, Vyacheslav Yurchenko, Petra Beznoskova, Zdenek Paris, Leos Shivaya Valasek, Julius Lukes
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Alena Bruce Krejci, Katerina Votypkova, Julius Lukes, Jan Votypka
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amanda T. S. Albanaz, Mark Carrington, Alexander O. Frolov, Anna I. Ganyukova, Evgeny S. Gerasimov, Alexei Y. Kostygov, Julius Lukes, Marina N. Malysheva, Jan Votypka, Alexandra Zakharova, Kristina Zahonova, Sara L. Zimmer, Vyacheslav Yurchenko, Anzhelika Butenko
Summary: This study conducted genome sequencing and analysis on previously overlooked trypanosomatid species, revealing their genomic diversity and chromosomal variations. The findings provide a solid foundation for future research on the genetic basis of life cycle changes and adaptation to different hosts in this species.
Article
Microbiology
Ashwin Kumar Saravana Bhavan Venkatachalam, Ivan Cepicka, Kristyna Hrazdilova, Milena Svobodova
Summary: Lankesterella parasites are prevalent in passerine species, displaying host specificity at the genus or species level. Isospora sequences were also identified, highlighting the importance of barcoding.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PROTISTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Kristyna Hrazdilova, Ondrej Danek, Alena Hrbatova, Barbora Cervena, Eva Noskova, Peter Adamik, Jan Votypka, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Mechouk Noureddine, David Modry, Ludek Zurek
Summary: In this study, a multiplex PCR method was developed to distinguish Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes inopinatus, and the lack of evidence for the presence of I. inopinatus in Central Europe was confirmed. The study also demonstrated that hybridization and introgression can occur between I. ricinus and I. inopinatus, and the hybrids can survive in Europe.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Donnamae Klocek, Danyil Grybchuk, Lucie Ticha, Jan Votypka, Petr Volf, Alexei Yu. Kostygov, Vyacheslav Yurchenko
Summary: This work analyzed RNA viruses in Sauroleishmania spp. and found RNA viruses in three out of seven isolates, belonging to the families Narnaviridae and Totiviridae. Phylogenetic inferences showed that totiviruses from L. adleri and L. tarentolae clustered with LRV2s, while a narnavirus from L. gymnodactyli was related to narnaviruses of Blechomonas spp. This study expanded the understanding of RNA virus-host interactions in trypanosomatids and provided insights into their evolution and potential routes of viral transmission.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Imtissal Krayem, Yahya Sohrabi, Helena Havelkova, Elena S. Gusareva, Hynek Strnad, Marie Cepickova, Valeryia Volkova, Iryna Kurey, Jarmila Vojtiskova, Milena Svobodova, Peter Demant, Marie Lipoldova
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by parasites, which affects over 1 billion people and has three clinical forms. The individual differences in susceptibility to infection and the heterogeneity of the disease's pathology are not well understood. Different mouse strains show varying disease manifestations, and genetic mapping has identified several loci that control the response to Leishmania major. Lmr15, a genetic locus, plays an important role in controlling the response to bacterial infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tomas Erban, Kamila Parizkova, Bruno Sopko, Pavel Talacko, Martin Markovic, Jana Jarosova, Jan Votypka
Summary: A challenge in bee protection is to assess the risks of pesticide-pathogen interactions. This study found that both Lotmaria passim parasite and imidacloprid pesticide may affect the physiology, behavior, immunity, microbiome, and lifespan of honey bees. Cage experiments showed that imidacloprid increased the infection rate and load of L. passim in individual bees. Proteomic analysis revealed that imidacloprid neutralized the effect of L. passim on transferrin 1 expression.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
