Search

Nematode, cestode, protozoan, microsporidian, and pentastomid parasites affect domesticated and wild rabbits, hares, and jackrabbits of the genera Brachylagus, Lepus, Oryctolagus, Pentalagus, and Sylvilagus. Some endoparasite infections are of limited or no significance, whereas others have potentially profound consequences. Accurate identification of endoparasites of rabbits, hares, and jackrabbits is an important facet of the work of veterinary pathologists engaged in lagomorph pathology. Here I review endoparasites from the pathologist's perspective, focusing on pathogenesis, lesions, and implications of infection. Stomach nematodes Graphidium strigosum and Obeliscoides cuniculi are infrequently pathogenic but may cause gastritis and gastric mucosal thickening. Nematodes Passalurus ambiguus, Protostrongylus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., and Trichuris spp. are rarely associated with disease. Adult Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) nematodes and non-embryonated eggs cause granulomatous hepatitis in wild Oryctolagus cuniculus and Lepus europaeus, resulting in multifocal, off-white, hepatic lesions, which may be misdiagnosed as hepatic eimeriosis. When the rabbit is an intermediate host for carnivore cestodes, the space-occupying effects of Cysticercus pisiformis and Coenurus serialis may have pathologic consequences. Eimeria stiedai is a major cause of white-spotted liver in O. cuniculus, particularly in juveniles. Enteric coccidiosis is a noteworthy cause of unthriftiness in young animals, and frequently manifests as diarrhea with grossly appreciable multifocal off-white intestinal lesions. O. cuniculus is the natural host for the zoonotic microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Infection may be acute and focused mainly on the kidneys, or it may follow a chronic disease course, frequently with neurologic lesions. A latent carrier status may also develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bear roundworm Baylisascaris transfuga has been identified in several host bears (Ursinae). However, limited genetic information is available on the bear roundworm in Japanese populations. This study evaluated the genetic composition of bear roundworms isolated from wild Japanese black bears indigenous to Lake Towada, Japan. First, we conducted genetic and/or molecular phylogenetic analyses based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and internal transcribed spacer 2 among Baylisascaris species. These analyses revealed that the identified roundworms were genetically B. transfuga. In addition, the average body size of the obtained roundworms in this study was almost the same as that previously reported for B. transfuga. This study represents an important step in genetic research on the roundworm B. transfuga in Ursinae bears not only from Japan but also from the rest of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematoda is the fourth most diverse animal phylum and is widely distributed. Marine nematodes are generally the most speciose group of meiofauna, yet there are relatively few studies on the taxonomy and biodiversity of free living marine nematodes. Here we present a review of the existing scientific literature and data in international databases on marine nematodes of Costa Rica. Most of the papers currently available mentioned Nematoda as the most abundant phylum in terms of the number of individuals within sand samples, nonetheless, only three publications included taxonomic data such as the description of new species or new records. Most publications are for the Pacific coast and we found only one paper for the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Large sections of the coasts and almost all the Exclusive Economic Zone remain unexplored in terms of nematode diversity, abundance and ecological role. Ten species, five free-living and five parasitic species, have been reported from the coasts of Costa Rica. Several reports indicate the presence of nematodes without further identification. More effort should be dedicated to the taxonomic identification of nematodes since, in addition to being the most abundant group, they can also be used as biological indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halicephalobus gingivalis is a free-living nematode that occasionally causes infections in horses. We report a rare case of limb fracture of horse caused by infection with H. gingivalis. An 8-year-old mare was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Lavras with claudication grade 5 of the right hind limb, that had been started 3 months ago. The patient had aseptic arthritis in the tarsal joint and edema that extended to the quartile. The radiographic examination showed punctate osteolysis with exacerbation of bone trabeculation along the calcaneus, talus, proximal epiphysis of the third metatarsal and distal epiphysis of the tibia. Treatment for arthritis was initiated, and the animal showed a slight improvement in limb function. However, 21 days after hospitalization, due to a comminuted fracture of the tibia, it was euthanized. At necropsy, yellowish masses were found from the metatarsal to the tibia, and around the tarsal bones and joint. Similar masses were also found in the left kidney. Numerous nematodes compatible with H. gingivalis were identified. This is the first description of a pathological fracture caused by H. gingivalis infection in an equine limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight helminth taxa, including an acanthocephalan (Centrorhynchus sp.) and 7 nematode species, were identified from material in held in the South Australian Museum Australian Helminthological Collection. All the specimens were collected from 3 individuals of Echymipera kalubu Fischer and a single Echymipera sp. at 25% prevalences, from Papua New Guinean localities. The nematodes were identified as follows: a heterakid Heterakis balamukensis Smales, 2023, known only from E. kalubu; a trichurid, most likely Trichuris peramelisBaylis, 1932; the trichostrongyloids Mackerrastrongylus peramelis (Johnston & Mawson, 1938) and Peramelostrongylus skedastosMawson, 1960; and a seuratid, Linstowinema sp., likely Linstowinema latensSmales, 1997, the latter 4 species being also found in Australian bandicoots. The physalopterid Physaloptera echymipera n. sp. could be distinguished from all the physalopterids known from Australian and Indonesian hosts by a suite of characters including esophagus length, spicule length, vagina length, and egg size. The seuratid Owenema mikosi n. gen., n. sp. was distinguished by having, among other characters, longitudinal rows of tiny spines along the body, a buccal ring with 4 teeth, the proximal end of the esophagus ornamented, short spicules smaller than the gubernaculum, a simple ovejector, and 4 uteri. A comparison of the helminth community, albeit from a small host sample, with those known from Australian bandicoots indicated that the components of their communities were similar. Isoodon macrourus, primarily an Australian bandicoot, and E. kalubu, for example, frequent similar habitats in Papua New Guinea and share several helminth species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Serpinema Yeh, 1960 allocates parasitic nematodes of freshwater turtles distributed across the Oriental, Neotropical, and Palearctic regions. Five of 10 valid species of the genus Serpinema occur in the Neotropical region, and three have been recorded parasitizing Kinosternon scorpioides Linnaeus, 1766. In the present work, we describe a new species of Serpinema , a gastrointestinal parasite of K. scorpioides from the Brazilian Amazon, using light and scanning electron microscopy. Serpinema pelliculatus n. sp. differs from other species of the genus by the number and distribution of caudal papillae and spicule morphology. The new species is the seventh recorded for the Neotropical region. [Display omitted] • Serpinema pelliculatus is a new parasite of Kinosternon scorpioides. • Serpinema pelliculatus has a spicule covered by a sheath. • A new species of camallanid parasite of freshwater turtle from the neotropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying and applying biological control approaches using entomopathogens against important agricultural insect pests is a sustainable, environmentally friendly practice for controlling their high density in agricultural communities, especially in monocultures. In this review, three species of important beetles were considered – the grey maize weevil, Tanymecus dilaticollis, the cereal leaf beetle Oulema melanopus and the Western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. They cause significant damage to crops in some regions of distribution. Characteristics related to pest infestations, plant damage, species compositions of entomopathogens, and bioassays with them against the targeted insect species were summarized. The presented list includes viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and nematode species found and tested in these pests: seven in T. dilaticollis, twelve in O. melanopus, and thirty-two in D. v. virgifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caves present unique and interesting habitats, captivating scientists in discovering new species and disentangling unfamiliar food webs. However, cave-dwelling nematodes remain poorly studied with minimal evidence supporting their ecological relevance. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the role of selected environmental filters over temporal (seasonal) and spatial (site location) scales on the community dynamics and functional diversity of cave-dwelling nematodes in Dripkelder Cave (South Africa). Multiple sampling sites, with varying levels of exposure to surface material, were investigated over four consecutive seasons. Selected microhabitat characteristics were also measured including sediment respiration, organic and active carbon, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, texture, and temperature. The results indicated significant effects on nematode community dynamics from exposure to surface material and environmental filters (including a physical restriction between the entrance area and deeper cave sites). Furthermore, clear temporal trends evidenced the effect of seasonality. An example of this was the rapid response of nematode colonisers (Rhabditis sp.) to the introduction of food and later transitioning to dauer larvae. Finally, multiple trophic groups associated with more isolated cave habitats indicated the potential role of nematode functional diversity in food web dynamics. This study showed that nematode dynamics in caves are likely more complex than originally believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploratory examinations were performed in sediments of archaeological levels from Cerro Casa de Piedra, cave 7 (CCP7). The aim of the present study was to identify parasitic remains present in the floor where human occupation has been reported. Parasite remains of Eimeria macusaniensis, molineids and two capillariids nematodes were identified. A single oocyst of Eimeria ivitaensis was found, resulting in the first report from Patagonia. Parasites found in this work were previously reported in camelid coprolites. Parasitological findings showed camelids presence into the cave and a high contamination of domestic area. These findings reinforce the hypothesis about the role of caves in parasites circulation among mammals community of Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raccoons are host to diverse gastrointestinal parasites, but little is known about the ecology of these parasites in terms of their interactions with each other during coinfections, their interactions with host physiology and environmental factors, and their impact on raccoon health and survival. As a first step, we investigated the patterns of parasite infection and their demographic distribution in an urban-suburban population of raccoons trapped in the summers and autumns of 2018 and 2019. We collected faecal samples, demographic data, morphometric measurements, and blood smears, and used GPS data to classify trapping location by land cover type. Faecal floats were performed to detect and quantify gastrointestinal nematode eggs and coccidia oocysts, and white blood cell differentials were performed on blood smears to characterise white blood cell distributions. Data were analysed cross-sectionally and, where possible, longitudinally, using generalised linear models. Overall, 62.6% of sampled raccoons were infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, and 82.2% were infected with gastrointestinal coccidia. We analysed predictors of infection status and faecal egg count for three different morphotypes of nematode— Baylisascaris , strongyle, and capillariid nematodes—and found that infection status and egg count varied with Year, Month, Age class, Land cover, and coinfection status, though the significance of these predictors varied between nematode types. Gastrointestinal coccidia prevalence varied with Year, Month, Age class, strongyle infection status, and capillariid infection status. Coccidia oocyst counts were lower in adults and in October, but higher in females and in raccoons trapped in areas with natural land cover; furthermore, coccidia oocysts were positively associated with capillariid faecal egg counts. We found no evidence that gastrointestinal parasites influenced raccoon body condition or overwinter mortality, and so conclude that raccoons, though harbouring diverse and abundant gastrointestinal parasites, may be relatively tolerant of these parasites. [Display omitted] • Predictors of raccoon nematode infection vary but include Year, Month, Age class, Land cover, and coinfection status. • Coccidia infection status varies with Year, Month, Age class, strongyle infection status, and capillariid infection status. • Our results suggest that raccoons acquire immunity to nematodes but not coccidia. • Gastrointestinal parasites were not associated with body condition or juvenile overwinter mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Anisakis is among the most significant parasites to public health, as it causes anisakiasis, a parasitic infection in humans resulting from consuming raw or undercooked seafood. Although the infection status of Anisakis in second intermediate hosts, such as marine fishes and cephalopods, and humans have been severally reported in Korea, no information about the definitive host in Korean waters is available. In 2014, 2 adult gastric nematodes were collected from a common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) found in the East Sea, Korea. These worms were identified as A. simplex sensu stricto (s.s.) by comparing the mitochondrial COX2 marker with previously deposited sequences. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of A. simplex (s.s.) worldwide revealed 2 distinct populations: the Pacific population and the European waters population. This is the first report on adult Anisakis and its definitive host species in Korea. Further studies on Anisakis infection in other cetacean species and marine mammals in Korean seas are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis in humans and animals have lost their efficacy due to the development of drug-resistance in helminths. Moreover, since anthelmintics, like many pharmaceuticals, are now recognized as hazardous contaminants of the environment, returning to medicinal plants and their products represents an environmentally friendly way to treat helminthiasis. The goal of the present study was to test the anthelminthic activity of methanol extracts of eight selected European ferns from the genera Dryopteris, Athyrium and Blechnum against the nematode Haemonchus contortus, a widespread parasite of small ruminants. Eggs and adults of H. contortus drug-susceptible strain ISE and drug-resistant strain WR were isolated from experimentally infected sheep. The efficacy of fern extracts was assayed using egg hatch test and adults viability test based on ATP-level measurement. Among the ferns tested, only Dryopteris aemula extract (0.2 mg/mL) inhibited eggs hatching by 25% in comparison to control. Athyrium distentifolium, Dryopteris aemula and Dryopteris cambrensis were effective against H. contortus adults. In concentration 0.1 mg/mL, A. distentifolium, D. aemula, D. cambrensis significantly decreased the viability of females from ISE and WR strains to 36.2%, 51.9%, 32.9% and to 35.3%, 27.0%, 23.3%, respectively in comparison to untreated controls. None of the extracts exhibited toxicity in precise cut slices from ovine liver. Polyphenol's analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid as the major components of these anthelmintically active ferns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ruddy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811), is reported herein as a new host for the diplotriaenid nematode Diplotriaena deliraePinto & Noronha, 1970. The host was collected in the municipality of Januária, northern region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A heavy infection wholly occupied the coelomic cavity and air sacs. The nematodes were also found in the pectoral subcutaneous tissue, an infection site hitherto unknown for these parasites. A total of 262 specimens of D. delirae was found, which surprisingly corresponded to 27% of the host carcass weight. The impacts of the heavy infection with D. delirae on overall host health and population regulation are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult acanthocephalans of the genus Neoechinorhynchus are commonly found infecting a wide range of turtle definitive hosts throughout North America. Other than reports on basic information such as intensity and species, little information exists on abnormal occurrences of acanthocephalans from turtles. We present 4 unusual cases of turtle acanthocephalans interacting with the host and other turtle parasites. Red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) were surveyed for helminths in Oklahoma, U.S.A. during 2010–2022. We observed 1) an acanthocephalan tied in a knot inside the turtle intestine, 2) an acanthocephalan attached with its proboscis to the outer serosa layer of the turtle intestine, 3) acanthocephalans embedded in the tissue of adult trematodes in the turtle intestine, and 4) nematodes attached to the tissue of acanthocephalans in the turtle intestine. These reports highlight some rare, but interesting, observations on adult acanthocephalans in their turtle hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a compilation of the genus Metaxonchium. The variations observed in its most interesting morphological traits (body size and shape, cuticle, lip region and amphid, stoma and feeding apparatus, pharynx and pharyngo-intestinal junction, female genital system, male genital system and its accessory elements, and caudal region), which are relevant to elucidating its taxonomy and evolutionary relationships, are described and discussed. The taxonomy of the genus is revised, including an emended diagnosis, list of species (30 valid and one inquirenda) and their synonyms, key to their identification, and a compendium of morphometrics of all the previously known species and their populations. New molecular data (18S, 28S rDNA sequences) are presented for Metaxonchium giennense. The evolutionary relationships of the genus are discussed with an integrative approach, combining morphological and molecular information. The presence of a conspicuous pars refringens vaginae is interpreted as the most remarkable synapomorphy of the genus and as an argument for its monophyly. Molecular analyses, however, do not totally corroborate this monophyly, but they are based on a very limited number of species. The monophyly of the subfamily Belondirinae is highly supported, as well the existence of two main subclades within it. The polyphyly of Belondiridae is once more confirmed. The rank of Spiculaxonchium is raised from subgeneric to generic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total number of 100 Nemipterus japonicus was collected randomly from the Western Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Egypt from September to April 2021. After external and internal examinations, two species of parasites were found. The first species was Mothocya melanosticta isopods (both sexes) with a prevalence of 52% and attached externally to the gills and inside the buccal cavity. The second species, Hysterothylacium aduncum nematodes that was found in three types of distributions in 53 fishes. Firstly, adults were found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with a high prevalence of about 58%. Secondly, larval stages were found in 52 fishes with a high prevalence of about 57%. Thirdly, adults and larvae were found mixed together in 91 fishes with a high prevalence of 91% inside the GI tract of the same host. There was mixed infestations with M. melanosticta and H. aduncum with a percentage of 51% with several observed signs on the infested fishes. To determine the correct identification of detected parasites, both species were subjected to morphological and electron microscopic examination. Based on the present findings, further studies are recommended on the host-parasites relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanisms governing experience-dependent tolerance of bitter compounds in Caenorhabditis elegans. The nematodes showed an aversion to nicotinamide, MgCl2, isoleucine, and arginine in a G a-dependent manner. Worms furthermore displayed diminished avoidance of MgCl2 upon MgCl2 -preconditioning at the larval stages. AIY interneurons have been suggested to be involved in experience-dependent behavioral plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 19-y-old American Saddlebred gelding was evaluated for epiphora of the right eye and generalized cachexia. Initial examination revealed anterior uveitis without ulceration, for which treatment was initiated. Despite the initial response to treatment, the signs progressively worsened to blindness. Histologic examination of the enucleated eye revealed granulomatous panuveitis and optic neuritis with intralesional nematode larvae identified as Halicephalobus gingivalis. Over time and despite anthelmintic treatment, blindness developed in the left eye along with neurologic signs, and the horse was euthanized. Disseminated halicephalobosis was diagnosed on postmortem examination, involving the heart, spleen, kidneys, oral cavity, tongue, left eye, lungs, CNS, adrenal glands, liver, and lymph nodes. Splenic involvement has not been reported previously, to our knowledge. Halicephalobosis is a sporadic parasitic disease that affects equids mostly and for which prognosis is poor despite aggressive systemic anthelmintic treatment. Parasitic granulomatous disease should be included as a differential diagnosis in equids with ocular or neurologic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Intestinal parasites in livestock cause huge economic setbacks. Moreover, these parasites can threaten human health when also present in companion animals. Objectives: The study examined the prevalence and burden of intestinal parasites among roaming/migrating animals (goats, sheep, cattle, and dogs) to provide insights into the risk of potential human parasitic infections. Methods: A total of 1,741 fecal samples from goats (n = 920), sheep (n = 335), cattle (n = 230) and dogs (n = 256) were obtained randomly across 18 local government areas in Edo State, Nigeria. The parasite samples were recovered and identified under a microscope. Molecular tools were used to identify Toxocara spp. Results: Eighteen different parasites were isolated. Among the different groups of parasites observed, nematodes occurred the most, followed by protozoans. Among nematodes, Haemonchus was most prevalent in goats (28.04%) and sheep (29.85%), while Strongyloides (10.86%) and Bunostomum (8.69%) were relatively high in cattle. Strongyloides (3.9%), hookworm (3.9%), and Toxocara (3.12%) were the predominant parasites in dogs. For protozoan parasites, Eimeria was most common in all 4 animal hosts. Several goats (2.39%) and sheep (2.38%) tested positive for Fasciola spp. Molecular analysis confirmed Toxocara canis in dogs for the first time in Nigeria. Conclusions: The major parasites recovered from these roaming/migrating animals have zoonotic potentials that can threaten human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-eight individuals of Anatololacerta anatolica (Werner, 1902) (17 males, 20 females, and 1 juvenile) were collected by hand from western Provinces of Türkiye and the following helminth species were found: 1 species of Digenea Plagiorchis elegans (Rudolphi, 1802) Braun, 1902, 1 species of Cestoda Mesocestoides sp. (tetrathyridia), and 4 species of Nematoda Skrjabinodon medinae, Skrjabinelazia hoffmanniLi, 1934, Skrjabinelazia taurica, and Spauligodon aloisei. Anatololacerta anatolica represents a new host record for P. elegans, S. taurica and S. aloisei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The redescription of Serratospiculum tendo is based on specimens taken from 4 female and 6 male peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus Tunstall). This redescription was necessary since previous morphological characterizations were only based on single nematodes, and important details such as the position of the excretory pore in males and females, description of the female reproductive system, and the size of the posterior caudal disc of males were not given. Serratospiculum tendo differs from its 2 congeners (Serratospiculum seurati and Serratospiculum guttatum) by a longer body length of males and females (113–166 and 293–340 mm, respectively) and longer right and left spicules (452–531 and 1,104–1,341 µm, respectively). In comparison, the body length of male and female specimens of S. seurati is 30–79 mm and 165–220 mm, respectively, and the spicules of the males measured 312–415 and 674–887 µm, respectively. The absence of cuticular bosses in S. tendo and S. seurati is a criterion to differentiate these species from S. guttatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrabromobisphenol-A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPA-BDBPE), a novel additive brominated flame retardant, is being developed for use in polyolefin and copolymers. Despite its emerging application, the neurotoxicity and mechanisms of action of TBBPA-BDBPE remain unexplored. Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized as the model organism to study the neurotoxic effects of TBBPA-BDBPE across environmental concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg/L. This investigation focused on various toxicological endpoints such as locomotive behavior, neuronal injury, neurotransmitter transmission, and the regulation of nervous system-related gene expression. Acute exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE at concentrations of 10–100 μg/L significantly impaired nematode movement, indicating potential neurotoxicity. In transgenic nematodes, this exposure also caused damage to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) and serotonergic neurons, along with notable changes in the levels of GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmitters. Further molecular studies indicated alterations in neurotransmission-related genes (cat-4 , mod-1 , unc-25 , and unc-47). Molecular docking analysis confirmed the binding affinity of TBBPA-BDBPE to key neurotransmission proteins—CAT-4, MOD-1, UNC-25, and UNC-47. These findings demonstrate that TBBPA-BDBPE exerts neurotoxic effects by impacting GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in nematodes. This study provides new insights into the potential environmental risks of TBBPA-BDBPE. [Display omitted] • Exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE induced the neurotoxicity in nematodes. • Damage to neurons systems following exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE was observed. • The neurotransmitter content and related gene expression were altered. • Abnormal neurotransmission is involved in the neurotoxicity of TBBPA-BDBPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant parasites of the genera Longidorus Micoletzky, 1922 and Paralongidorus Siddiqi, Hooper and Khan, 1963 comprise a group of plant root ectoparasites, some of which are known as pests of economic importance. Their importance is further augmented by the fact that several species are known to be vectors of nepoviruses. To date 16 species from the genus Longidorus and two from Paralongidorus have been recorded in Poland. Despite their economic importance in agriculture currently there is no regional key for species identification. This paper presents such a key. The key has many illustrations and is based mainly on traits which are easily observable even by less experienced users. Thus, it should provide a useful tool for both scientists and specialists working in the field of plant protection, soil ecology and zoology as well as for teaching purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Santonian Gondwanan fossil woods host evidence of diverse saproxylic organisms. • Bacteria, fungi, nematodes, arthropods and bivalves dominate xylophagy. • Conifer and angiosperm woods were permineralized in submarine debris flows. Organisms that colonize wood are subject to a taphonomic tragedy—the richer and more diverse they become, the greater the deterioration of the host wood and the less likely such communities are to be fossilized. Moreover, palaeobotanical studies of fossil wood usually focus on the plant tissue, neglecting the evidence of parasitic, saproxylic, and other contained organisms. Such a case involved a relatively well-known fossil wood assemblage from the Santonian (Late Cretaceous, ca 84 Ma) of southeast Africa. In a set of 150 thin sections of silicified wood stored in the Senckenburg Museum for more than half a century, we discovered evidence of a diverse biotic community comprising bacteria, fungi, nematodes, several types of arthropods, and marine bivalves. These body fossils and traces, together with growth-ring features, fossil log size and shape, and the distribution of glauconite, facilitated interpretation of the multi-stage evolution of a wood-hosted biocoenosis of unprecedented diversity. This record is unique for the Mesozoic and is of importance for understanding the taphonomic pathways to preservation and the evolution and diversification of saproxylic and other wood-hosted communities in terrestrial and marine settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Albendazole (ABZ) is an anthelmintic frequently used to treat haemonchosis, a common parasitosis of ruminants caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus. This parasite is able to protect itself against ABZ via the formation of inactive ABZ-glycosides. The present study was designed to deepen the knowledge about the role of UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) in ABZ glycosylation in H. contortus. The induction effect of phenobarbital, a classical inducer of UGTs, as well as ABZ and ABZ-sulphoxide (ABZSO, the main active metabolite of ABZ) on UGTs expression and UGT activity toward ABZ was studied ex vivo in isolated adult nematodes. The effect of three potential UGT inhibitors (5-nitrouracil, 4,6-dihydroxy-5-nitropyrimidine and sulfinpyrazone) on ABZ glycosylation was tested. Pre-incubation of nematodes with ABZ and ABZSO led to increased expression of several UGTs as well as ABZ-glycosides formation in subsequent treatment. Phenobarbital also induced UGTs expression, but did not affect ABZ biotransformation. In the nematode's subcellular fraction, sulfinpyrazone inhibited UGT activity toward ABZ, although no effect of other inhibitors was observed. The inhibitory potential of sulfinpyrazone on the formation of ABZ-glycosides was also proved ex vivo in living nematodes. The obtained results confirmed the role of UGTs in ABZ biotransformation in H. contortus adults and revealed sulfinpyrazone as a potent inhibitor of ABZ glycosylation in this parasite. The possible use of sulfinpyrazone with ABZ in combination therapy merits further research. [Display omitted] • UDP-glycosyl transferases catalyse biotransformation of benzimidazole anthelmintics. • Gene expression of several UGTs in H. contortus is affected by albendazole. • The inhibition of UGTs leads to a decrease in the amounts of glycosylated metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper refers to the distribution and ecology of a very rare false click beetle, Nematodes filum (Fabricius, 1801), comparing the ecosozological status in European countries where this species occurs. We also tried to assess the real state of the threat and outline the main points of conservation management. This "umbrella species" indicates high-biodiversity sites, being relatively easily identifiable. We consider that this species should be listed among the species of European importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The furcation is the anatomic area where the roots divide on a multirooted tooth. Periodontal disease causing alveolar bone loss can lead to furcation lesions of various stages. Once furcation involvement has occurred, the area can be more difficult to clean or treat due to the complex anatomy and morphology of furcations. Teeth with short root trunks, longer tooth roots, and roots with wide furcation entrance areas/degrees of separation and wide root divergence are considered better candidates for long term maintenance. Dog teeth possess many of these advantageous anatomic features compared to human teeth. Treatment options for teeth with furcation lesions include: closed debridement, open debridement, furcation plasty, tunneling, partial tooth or root resection, root separation (hemisection or trisection), regenerative therapies, or exodontia. There are many factors to consider in determining treatment options. The favorable and unfavorable characteristics for maintenance of teeth with furcation lesions are summarized. Home care and ongoing professional care are important aspects of periodontal disease control for any patient. Studies of systemic and local antibiotic therapies in human patients have not demonstrated reduction of furcation stages, and probiotic effects at furcation sites have not been specifically examined. Human review studies show that most molar teeth once deemed "hopeless" due to stage 3 furcation lesions can be maintained for at least 5 to 15 years with supportive periodontal therapy. Similar long term studies in dogs are needed to improve the evidence-based management of canine patients with furcation lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in domestic pigs in the Republic of Korea. From May 2020 to October 2021, 364 pig fecal samples were collected from 75 farms in 7 Provinces and microscopically examined. A total of 170 (46.7%) pigs were infected with at least one of the following parasites: Balantioides coli, strongyles, Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, and coccidia. By parasite species, B. coli, strongyles, A. suum, T. suis, and coccidia oocysts or eggs were detected in 144 (39.6%), 24 (6.6%), 14 (3.8%), 4 (1.1%), and 1 (0.3%) samples, respectively. One hundred fifty-four, 15, and 1 cases showed single, double, and triple infections, respectively. Of the swine fecal samples from 75 farms, 69 specimens (92.0%) were infected with 1 or more parasites. All surveyed farms across the country exhibited a positive rate of over 30%, among which the highest positive rate was 65.0% in Chungcheongnamdo, and Jeollabuk-do was followed by 61.9%. Winter showed a statistically lower prevalence than other seasons. This study showed that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent in pigs in Korea, although the diversity of parasites is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two concentrations (6.25 and 1.25 mg/L) were used for two Parkinson's disease medications, Benserazide, and Trihexyphenidyl, to test their effects on the meiobenthic nematofauna. It is predicted that these highly hydrosoluble drugs will end up in marine environments. The results showed that both medications when added alone, induced (i) important changes in the numbers and (ii) taxonomic composition. The impact of Benserazide and Trihexyphenidyl was also reflected in the (iii) functional traits of nematofauna, with the most affected categories following exposure being the trophic group 1B, the clavate tails, the circular amphids, the c-p2 life history, and the body length of 1–2 mm. These results were supported by the molecular interactions of the studied drugs with both GLD-3 and SDP proteins of Caenorhabditis elegans. (iv) The mixtures of both drugs did not show any changes in the nematode communities, suggesting that no synergistic or antagonistic interactions exist between them. • Benserazide, and Trihexyphenidyl cause a decrease in nematode numbers. • Metoncholaimus pristiurus and Prochromadorella longicaudata : sensitive to Benserazide • M. pristiurus and Longicyatholaimus longicaudatus : sensitive to Trihexyphenidyl • The drug mixtures did not show significant changes in the nematode communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dauer is an alternative developmental stage of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that gives survival benefits under unfavorable environmental conditions. Our study aims to decipher C. elegans dauer larvae development upon Salmonella Typhimurium infection and how the bacterial gene regulating the worm's behavioural plasticity for better survival.Methods: Age-synchronized L4 C. elegans worms were infected with Salmonella Typhimurium 14028s (WT-STM) strain and mutant strains to check the dauer larvae development using 1% SDS. Besides, bacterial load in animals' gut, pharyngeal pumping rate and viability were checked. Worm's immune genes (e.g., ilys-3, lys-7, pmk-1, abf-2, clec-60) and dauer regulatory genes (e.g., daf-7, daf-11, daf-12, daf-16, daf-3) were checked by performing qRT-PCR under infection conditions.Results: We found that deletion of the fepB gene in S. Typhimurium strain became less pathogenic with reduced flagellar motility and biofilm-forming ability. Besides, there was decreased bacterial burden in the worm's gut with no damage to their pharynx. The fepB mutant strain was also able to enhance the immune responses for better survival of worms. Infection with mutant strain could activate dauer signaling via the TGF-β pathway leading to a significant increase in dauer formation than WT-STM infection.Conclusion: Our study indicated that the bacteria act as a food source for the growth of C. elegans and development and can act as a signal that might be playing an essential role in regulating the host physiology for their survival. Such a study can help us in understanding the complex host-pathogen interaction benefiting pathogen in host dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of using meiobenthic communities and especially the nematodes-based indices to assess the ecological quality of the Ukrainian Danube delta coastal area was tested in one control and two sites impacted by dredging/dumping activities. The study is based on the results of benthic surveys carried out in November 2015 and August 2018 and 2020 in the area of the "Danube-Black Sea" navigable canal. The values of the taxonomic richness of the meiobenthos varied from 6 taxa in the dredging sites to 9 taxa at background stations. According to the species richness, the ecological quality in the dredging area fell into the Poor class (EQS), while the background and dumping areas into the Moderate class. TThe Shannon index (H') of the nematodes in the dredging sites varied from 0 to 1.8. Low values of these indices indicate Bad ecological status in the dredging sites and Poor in the rest. There was a high percentage of c-p2 (r-strategists) in all sites. Average values of the maturity index (MI) varied from 1.5 ± 0.2 in the dredging sites to 2.3 ± 0.1 at dumping and 2.6 ± 0.1 at background stations. The Maturity Index also indicates that the dredging site is in Bad condition, the dumping one is in Poor and the background stations are in Moderate. Non-selective deposit feeders (1B) dominated at most stations. According to the values of the trophic diversity index (ITD), the study area can be classified as Poor. For the study sites, species that can be considered potential biological indicators are evinced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Veterinaria is the property of Universidad Nacional del Nordeste and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)