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BackgroundSarcocystis includes a global group of apicomplexan parasites with two-host life cycle frequently circulating in wildlife and domestic hosts, including humans. Two of the most important wild terrestrial carnivores acting as definitive hosts are the red fox and raccoon dog, due to their wide distribution in Europe and usage of wild and farmed animals as prey. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis in hunted red foxes and raccoon dogs from nine regions of the Czech Republic and to identify isolated sporocysts by molecular techniques.MethodsApproximately 5 g of the contents of large intestine from 200 animals (197 red foxes and three raccoon dogs) were examined by flotation centrifugation coprological method. Only samples of 50 red foxes and one raccoon dog positive to Sarcocystis spp. were used for the nested PCR (nPCR) method to amplify a fragment or partial sequence on the cox1 gene. Ten species-specific primer pairs for detection of Sarcocystis spp. using farm animals as intermediate hosts were utilized.ResultsIn total, 38.1% of the red foxes and 66.7% of the raccoon dogs were positive to Sarcocystis by light microscopy. The molecular characterization resulted in the identification of five species in the red fox: S. arieticanis, S. capracanis, S. cruzi, S. miescheriana, and S. tenella, while the PCR was negative for the sole raccoon dog. The highest intraspecific variation was found for S. miescheriana, while S. tenella was the most prevalent. Co-infections occurred in the large intestine of the red fox. No zoonotic species were found in our samples.ConclusionThis is the first study where the potential role of the red fox and raccoon dogs as spreaders of Sarcocystis to farm animals in the Czech Republic is shown. The use of species-specific primers provides a fast and easy method for screening multiple samples for a particular Sarcocystis species.

Mycosis fungoides, also known as granuloma fungoides or Alibert-Bazin syndrome, is the most common form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In the early course of the disease, the skin lesions have significant overlap with many other primary cutaneous disorders like psoriasis, eczema, and tinea infections. Hence, early suspicion, prompt diagnosis by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, and regular follow-up are of utmost importance. Here we present a trilogy of cases of mycosis fungoides with varied skin lesions.

Background: Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), previously known as juvenile chronic myeloid leukaemia, is a rare, unique, and aggressive myeloproliferative neoplasm of early childhood. Making a diagnosis of JMML is challenging because of the overlapping clinical and haematological features with other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). However, some unique features like monocytosis, the absence of BCR-ABL translocation, and the presence of specific mutations (PTPN-11, K-RAS, N-RAS, CBL, or NF1) clinch the correct diagnosis. Methods: A prospective analysis of six JMML patients with variable clinical features treated with injection azacytidine as frontline therapy during the study period of 2 years. Results: The median age was 4.5 years with male:female ratio 2:4. Pallor and splenomegaly were the most common presenting signs. Four patients (66.67%) achieved complete remission (CR), two patients (33.33%) had partial remission (PR), and one patient (16.67%) had progressive disease (PD). The overall survival rate was 66.67% (four out of six), and the mortality rate was 33.33%. Conclusion: Azacitidine is an effective treatment option as upfront therapy for JMML, especially in resource poor developing countries.

The common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) was previously shown to transmit two Sarcocystis species (S. glareoli and S. microti) forming cysts in the brains of rodents. Due to a lack of research, the richness of Sarcocystis species spread by these birds of prey is expected to be much higher. A total of 30 samples of the small intestine of the Common Buzzard were collected in Lithuania and subjected to Sarcocystis species identification based on nested PCR of 28S rRNA and ITS1, following the sequencing of amplified DNA fragments. Six known Sarcocystis spp., S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. turdusi, and S. wobeseri, along with three genetically distinct species (Sarcocystis sp. Rod3, Sarcocystis sp. Rod4, and Sarcocystis sp. Rod5), were identified. Phylogenetically, these three potentially new species clustered with Sarcocystis spp. characterised by a rodents-birds life cycle. Sarcocystis spp. employing rodents and birds as their intermediate hosts were detected in 66.7% and 50.0% of samples, respectively. These findings are consistent with the diet preferences of Common Buzzards. Notably, co-infections with two or more species were observed in a half of the samples. Altogether, the obtained results indicate that the Common Buzzard could serve as definitive host of various Sarcocystis species.

Background: Painless and early aggressive mobilization of the shoulder can give good outcomes in a frozen shoulder (FS).Objectives: Our objective is to compare the early and late clinical and functional outcomes of mobilization under continuous interscalene block (CISB) and mobilization and intraarticular steroid injection (IASI) and to determine the effect of the addition of IASI on mobilization and CISB in adults with FS.Methods: We conducted a prospective comparative study. Participants were divided into 3 groups of 20 patients. The allocation was performed by simple randomization. The primary outcomes of pain and patient satisfaction were assessed using VAS scores. Outcome measures such as pain, patient satisfaction, range of motion, and UCLA scores within the groups were assessed.Results: The majority of patients were females. There was a significant improvement in early pain relief and range of motion in patients treated using mobilization under CISB. The late functional outcomes were similar in all groups irrespective of the method of treatment. The IASI had no significant effect on the early or late outcomes of mobilization under CISB.Conclusion: Mobilization under CISB provides early pain relief, improvement in the range of movements, and good long-term functional outcomes in frozen shoulders. IASI does not affect early pain relief or improvement in the range of movements.

Background. The pattern of hospital admissions and medical care changed during the COVID pandemic. The aim of the study to describe the nature of patients attending the orthopedic emergency department of a level 1 trauma center in terms of number and proportion based on demographic characteristics and the nature of the injury before the lockdown, during the lockdown, and during the unlocking period of the nationwide lockdown for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Methods. We conducted a longitudinal study from 01.01.2020 to 31.12.2020. Patients attending the orthopedic emergency were grouped based on cause, type, and site of injury. The median number observed each day with IQR. The distribution of the same was compared between the prelockdown with lockdown period and the lockdown period with a phased unlocking period. Results. A total of 10513 patients were included. There was a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of patients needing inpatient care between the prelockdown phase and lockdown phase (p = 0.008). However, this was not seen between lockdown and postlockdown periods (p = 0.47). The proportion of road traffic accidents dropped from 26% to 15% during this time (p0.001). The proportion of contusions was reduced and that of soft tissue injuries increased (p0.001). The proportion of lower limb injuries decreased from the prelockdown phase to the lockdown phase, and that of spinal injury patients increased (p = 0.007). The proportion of patients with contusions increased and soft tissue injuries decreased during this period (p0.001). Lower limb injuries and road traffic accidents increased, and spinal injuries were reduced (p0.001). Conclusion. The lockdown for controlling the spread of the pandemic affected the demographic and epidemiological aspects of injuries attending the orthopedic emergency department of a level 1 trauma center in a developing country. There was a decrease in the proportion of females and children attending the ED during the lockdown. The number of road traffic accedents s decreased during the lockdown. The number of patients with contusions attending the trauma center during the lockdown decreased, but there was an increase in the number of patients with spine injuries. We suggest that improvement in triage facilities, wider use of telemedicine, and increasing the stock of PPEs are essential for tackling such situations in the future.

ABSTRACTAim Hemophilia A (HA) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII in the blood. In resource-limited settings like India, affordability is a significant challenge in managing patients with severe HA. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of intermediate-dose prophylaxis versus on-demand factor therapy in adult and pediatric populations with moderate-to-severe congenital HA without inhibitors in India.Method We conducted a prospective cost-effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective, categorizing patients into a base state and a joint disease state (patients with Hemophilia suffering extensive bleeds leading to chronic joint disease). Using targeted literature search and primary market research, we developed a Markov model measuring the total cost of Hemophilia treatment and health outcomes, including life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The model extended over a lifetime horizon of 70 years with a one-year cycle length. Sensitivity analyses assessed study robustness.Results Low-dose prophylactic therapy was cost-effective for adults (>18 years) and pediatric populations (

The common gull (Larus canus) and the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) are common waterbird species in Lithuania. Until now, the composition of Sarcocystis species in these birds was unknown. The current study aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. by the morphological examination of sarcocysts found in the muscle tissues and by DNA sequence analysis. Between 2011 and 2019, the leg muscles of 42 common gulls and 63 black-headed gulls were tested for Sarcocystis spp. Based on the methylene blue staining of squashed muscle samples, sarcocysts were detected in six common gulls (14.3%) and in six black-headed gulls (9.5%). Under a light microscope, one type of microcyst was observed. Sarcocysts were thread-like (2860–8250 × 40–180 μm) and had a smooth and thin (0.8–1.4 μm) cyst wall, while bradyzoites were banana-shaped and 5.0–9.2 × 1.3–2.4 μm in size. The sequencing of complete ITS1 showed the presence of S. columbae, S. halieti and S. wobeseri in the common gull and S. columbae and S. halieti in the black-headed gull. The highest intraspecific genetic variability was established for S. halieti, which is characterized by a wide host range. This species is considered to be pathogenic, therefore further histopathological examination of the various organs of gulls is needed.

Representatives of the genus Sarcocystis are worldwide distributed apicomplexan parasites characterised by two-host prey-predator relationships. Sarcocystis spp. produce sarcocysts in the muscles and brains of intermediate hosts and develop sporocysts in the intestines of definitive hosts. Two species, Sarcocystis glareoli and Sarcocystis microti, previously assigned to the genus Frenkelia, form cysts in the brains of rodents and are transmitted through the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). In our study, brain samples of 694 small mammals caught in different regions of Lithuania were examined for Sarcocystis spp. Additionally, 10 B. buteo and two rough-legged buzzards (Buteo lagopus) were tested for sporocysts of the analysed parasites. Sarcocystis species were identified based on 28S rRNA sequence comparison. Of the eleven species of small mammals tested, Sarcocystis parasites were observed only in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Cysts of S. glareoli were detected in 34 out of 374 C. glareolus (9.1%, 95% CI = 6.4–12.5%). Molecular investigation showed the presence of only S. glareoli in the intestines of 50% of B. buteo. Furthermore, two species, Sarcocystis sp. Rod3 and Sarcocystis sp. Rod4, were confirmed in B. lagopus. Our results demonstrate the need for further studies on Sarcocystis cycling between rodents and birds.

The genus Sarcocystis is an abundant group of Apicomplexa parasites found in mammals, birds, and reptiles. These parasites are characterised by the formation of sarcocysts in the muscles of intermediate hosts and the development of sporocysts in the intestines of definitive hosts. The identification of Sarcocystis spp. is usually carried out in carcasses of animals, while there is a lack of studies on the detection of Sarcocystis species in blood samples. In the current study, blood samples of 214 yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and 143 bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) from Lithuania were examined for Sarcocystis. The molecular identification of Sarcocystis was carried out using nested PCR of cox1 and 28S rRNA and subsequent sequencing. Sarcocystis spp. were statistically (p < 0.01) more frequently detected in the bank vole (6.3%) than in yellow-necked mice (0.9%). The analysed parasites were observed in four different habitats, such as mature deciduous forest, bog, natural meadow, and arable land. Three species, Sarcocystis funereus, Sarcocystis myodes, and Sarcocystis cf. glareoli were confirmed in the bank vole, whereas only Sarcocystis myodes were found in yellow-necked mice. The obtained results are important in the development of molecular identification of Sarcocystis parasites in live animals.

Highlight Research • The very first attempt to investigated and revealing biodiversity of crustacean crab in coral reef ecosystem at Tidung Island, Indonesia • Conservation area (Tidung Kecil) has more abundant crab species than tourism area (Tidung Besar). • A microhabitat that suffers anthropogenic pressure may alter the composition of crustacean biodiversity, especially in crab group. • Different characteristics and complexity of coral habitat affect the dynamics of cryptic crustacean communities Abstract Recent studies have been widely carried out on the important role and ecological function of coral reefs. However, little attention has been given to small and cryptic crustaceans organisms living within different microhabitat in dead corals. This study aimed to reveal the diversity of crustaceans that inhabit dead corals in Tidung Islands, Indonesia. A total of 134 individuals from 41 species in 13 families were recorded within eight dead corals taken from two different sites. Furthermore, the species identified from Tidung Kecil were significantly different and more diverse than Tidung Besar. It was suggested that differences in anthropogenic pressure between Tidung Besar and Kecil might have an important role in the spread of crab crustaceans' organisms. Xanthidae from infraorder Brachyura were observed to be the most dominant family, while Galatheidae and Porcellanidae from infraorder Anomura spread almost equally in both sites. Additionally, Psaumis cavipes and Chlorodiella nigra were species with the largest contribution of crab crustaceans' communities in the death of coral's ecosystem in the Tidung Islands. This result indicated that dead corals might play a key role in supporting and providing a habitat for crustacean cryptic.

This study aimed to minimize the tumor cell population using minimal medicine for chemotherapy treatment, while maintaining the effector-immune cell population at a healthy threshold. Therefore, a mathematical model was developed in the form of ordinary differential equations (ODE), and the solution to the Multi-Objective Optimal Control Problem (MOOCP) was obtained using Multi-Objective Optimization algorithms. In this study, the interaction of the tumor cell and effector cell populations with chemotherapy was investigated using Pure MOOCP and Hybrid MOOCP methods. The handling of constraints and the Pontryagin Maximum Principle (PMP) differ among these methods. Swarm Intelligence (SI) and Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) were used to process the results of these methods. The numerical outcomes of SI and EA are displayed via the Pareto Optimal Front. In addition, the solutions from these algorithms were further analyzed using the Hypervolume Indicator. The findings of this study demonstrate that the Hybrid Method outperforms Pure MOOCP via Multi-Objective Differential Evolution (MODE). MODE produces a point on the Pareto Optimal Front with a minimal distance to the origin, where the distance represents the best solution.

Apicomplexan Sarcocystis and Trichinella nematodes are food-borne parasites whose life cycle is carried-out in various wildlife and domestic animals. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is an apex predator acting as an ecosystem engineer. This study aimed to identify the species of Sarcocystis and Trichinella found in the muscles of gray wolves in Lithuania. During the 2017–2022 period, diaphragm, heart, and hind leg samples of 15 animals were examined. Microscopical analysis showed the presence of two types of Sarcocystis parasites in 26.7% of the analyzed muscle samples. Based on the sequencing of five loci, nuclear 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1, mitochondrial cox1, and apicoplast rpoB, S. arctica, and S. svanai were identified. The current work presents the first report of S. svanai in gray wolf. Phylogenetically, S. svanai clustered together with S. lutrae, infecting various carnivorans, and S. arctica was most closely related to S. felis from domestic cats. Trichinella spp. were found in 12 gray wolves (80%). For the first time, Trichinella species were molecularly identified in gray wolves from Lithuania. Trichinella britovi was confirmed in all of the isolated Trichinella larvae using a multiplex PCR. Gray wolves in Lithuania may serve as a major source of zoonotic pathogens due to the presence of these parasites.

A popular tourist destination known for its colorful coral reefs is Kaliage Island, part of the Seribu Archipelago. The UVC (Underwater Visual Census) method was used in a recent study to examine reef fishes’ trophic levels, ecological roles, and community structure. Dominance, evenness, and diversity indices were used to investigate community structure. The results revealed 3,117 fish from 54 species, 16 families, and 32 genera on the reef. The two most notable species within the family Pomacentridae were Pomacentrus alexanderae and Amblyglyphidodon curacao. Fish with major, target, and indicator functions accounted for 85.98 percent, 11.29 percent, and 2.73 percent of the fish population with ecological roles, respectively. The trophic distribution of fishes revealed that 45.01 percent were omnivores, 23.10 percent were planktivores, 19.19 percent were carnivores, 9.46 percent were herbivores, and 3.24 percent were coral eaters. The analysis showed that the reef fish community was balanced and not dominated by any species, with diversity, evenness, and dominance indices of 2.53, 0.87, and 0.01, respectively. For conservation efforts throughout the Seribu Archipelago, this study provides important insights into the stability and health of the reef ecosystem on Kaliage Island.

The distribution and spread of the tundra vole (Alexandromys oeconomus) in Lithuania have been documented over the last 70 years, but the genetic diversity of the species has not been studied. In this study, we examined A. oeconomus trapped in three sites in northern and western Lithuania using mtDNA sequence analysis of the cytb and control region. The western and northern sites are separated by anthropogenic landscape barriers. The western site is subject to regular spring flooding. Phylogenetic analyses of the studied individuals placed them in the Central European phylogroup, suggesting that Lithuanian A. oeconomus originated from northeastern Poland. In Lithuania, the genetic diversity of A. oeconomus at both mtDNA loci was relatively low (Hd < 0.6, π < 0.002) compared to that found in other European samples (Hd = 0.833–0.958; π = 0.00402–0.01552). Individuals analyzed in Lithuania were genetically different from samples collected in Poland and Northern Europe (ΦST > 0.15, p < 0.05). The genetic divergence between the western and northern samples of A. oeconomus in Lithuania, together with the low genetic variability among the voles studied, provides new insights into the phylogeography of the species and the influence of barriers on the colonization of the country.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+ve) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of diffuse LBCL with unique morphological characteristics and unusual immunophenotypic features that have substantial overlap with other hematologic and nonhematologic neoplasms. Here, we present a 48-year-old male who presented with progressive swelling on both sides of the neck and left eye followed by protruding mass in the left nose over a span of 6 months. Based on the biopsy findings of the left nasal mass, a plasma cell neoplasm was initially diagnosed; later on the diagnosis was modified as ALK + ve LBCL based on the aggressive clinical course and biopsy findings of cervical lymph node. The patient was started on chemotherapy and is tolerating well.

Soft corals of the genus Clavularia (Blainville 1830) have complex and difficult to distinguish morphological characteristics, making them rather difficult to identify. A paucity of information exists for Indonesian coral reefs, a complex biogeographic region at the confluence of the Pacific and Indian Ocean that covers an extensive geographic area and several marine ecoregions, is subject to several ocean current systems, and includes a high diversity of habitats. Specimens of Clavularia inflata were collected from eleven study sites across the Indonesian archipelago, morphologically described based on their sclerite characteristics, and compared among sites. Sclerite observations were divided into four parts for each colony, namely pinnules, crowns, calyces, and stolons. The sclerites found in C. inflata comprised various forms such as rods, fingers, sticks, and brackets. Morphometric measurements of C. inflata showed specimens from Kepulauan Seribu had the largest pinnule, calyx, and stolon sclerites compared to other locations. The maximum mean size of crown sclerites was observed for specimens from Maluku Tenggara Barat. Similarities in the shape of sclerites resulted in specimens from Kangean, Morotai, Tanjung Lesung, Bontang, Lombok and Natuna forming a cluster, while those from Maluku Tenggara Barat and Arborek were dissimilar to other sites. Smaller sclerite sizes in specimens from Arborek are likely related to strong currents at that site. In conclusion, there were variations in the size of sclerites across the eleven study sites, with several sites forming a cluster of similar sclerite dimensions. Further studies using molecular markers are suggested to further explore the possibility of cryptic species.

Background: Guts, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity (GRIT) is an optimistic character that mixes passion and dedication. It is a driver of achievement and success, independent of and beyond what intelligence and talent contribute. The study aimed to assess GRIT and factors influencing it among mid-adolescent school students (13–18 years) in the Perambalur district, Tamilnadu, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mid-adolescent school students. We used a self-reported questionnaire to collect the data on sociodemographic characteristics and parents’ details and the standard eight-item GRIT questions. Analysis was done with the total and subscale scores. Results: Among the 1663 participants, 966 (58.1%) were males. The mean (SD) age was 15.6 (1.19) years. The mean GRIT score was 26.65 (4.12). Most students (755) showed medium (45.4%) GRIT scores. The age factor had a weak negative correlation with GRIT ( r = −0.052, p = 0.033) and females had higher scores ( t = 9.13, p = 0.002). Perseverance of effort was significantly more in those from a rural background ( t = 1.9, p = 0.012), while consistency of interest was more in those from urban background ( t = 0.63, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Most students had average or medium GRIT scores, with higher GRIT among females. The concept of GRIT should be properly addressed among children during their school years in order to inspire them to dream with passion and perseverance.

Pseudotumour is a rare complication of haemophilia, categorised as osseous or non-osseous (soft tissue) lesions based on anatomic location. The bones most frequently involved are the larger ones; pseudotumours of small bones are rare. Here we present a rare case of pseudotumours of both thumbs in a 10-year-old male with severe haemophilia A, successfully treated with factor replacement therapy. This case highlights the possibility of treating such cases conservatively, but also the need for education to enable early intervention to prevent potential complications that could be life-threatening.

Haemophilia has been associated with increased prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) which in turn may aggravate haemophilic arthropathy. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the gold standard for assessing BMD but is not widely available across India. Markers of bone turnover like bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) reflect osteoblastic turnover and may be surrogate to low BMD.

The intraspecific genetic diversity of freshwater fish inhabiting hydro-systems of the macrogeographic area spreading from the Black to Baltic Seas requires comprehensive investigation from fundamental and practical perspectives. The current study focused on the involvement of the mtDNA ATP6 region in the adaptability and microevolution of Perca fluviatilis within phylogeographic and anthropogenic contexts. We sequenced a 627 bp fragment encompassing the ATP6 region and used it for genetic analysis of 193 perch caught in Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine, representing natural and anthropogenically impacted populations. We evaluated patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity in the ATP6 region and phylogeographic trends within the studied area compared with previously established D-loop trends. Evaluation of ATP6 coding sequence variability revealed that among 13 newly detected haplotypes, only two were caused by non-synonymous substitutions of amino acids of the protein. PCoA revealed three genetic groups (I–III) based on the ATP6 region that encompassed four previously described genetic groups established based on the mtDNA D-loop. The two mtDNA regions (D-loop and ATP6) have microevolved at least partially independently. Prolonged anthropogenic impacts may generate new point mutations at the ATP6 locus, but this phenomenon could be mainly concealed by natural selection and reparation processes.

Wildfowl meat infected with S. rileyi macrocysts is not suitable for human consumption. Ducks are among the main game birds in Europe, and S. rileyi infections cause significant economic losses. In 2011–2022, a total of 2649 anseriforms collected in Lithuania and 619 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) hunted in the Kaliningrad region of Russia, Belarus, and Latvia were tested for macrocysts. In Lithuania, macrocysts were detected in 206 of 2362 Mallards (8.7%) and in two of 88 (2.3%) Eurasian Teals (Anas crecca). The prevalence of macrocysts in the other three countries, Belarus (5.9%), Russia (5.0%), and Latvia (3.1%), was similar. For species identification, macrocysts isolated from 37 Mallards (21 from Lithuania, 8 from Russia, 6 from Belarus, and 2 from Latvia) were subjected to sequencing of the ITS1 region. Based on DNA analysis, S. rileyi was confirmed in all tested birds. By comparing the infection rates of macrocysts in Mallards in Lithuania, significant differences were observed in different years (p = 0.036), and a significantly higher prevalence of infection was established in November–December than in September–October (p = 0.028). Given the amount of data per decade on the prevalence of S. rileyi, awareness of infection needs to be increased.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are increasingly viewed as alternate or complementary approaches to conventional capture-based surveys for marine conservation and fisheries management purposes, especially at large spatial scales in mega-biodiversity regions such as Indonesia. Decapod crustacean distribution and diversity across Indonesia are still poorly known, even for economically important fisheries commodities. This study assessed coral reef associated decapod diversity and distribution by sampling 40 sites in three regions (West, Central, East), representing 17 provinces and 10 Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) across Indonesia, with a special focus on the blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus. DNA sequencing (Illumina iSeq100) data were analysed in mBRAVE (Multiplex Barcode Research And Visualization Environment) yielded 406 OTUs belonging to 32 families, with 47 genera and 51 species identified. The number of families identified was highest in the Central region (25), while the most genera (31) and species (36) were identified in the West region. Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between regions or provinces, while Beta diversity differed significantly between provinces but not between regions. Our results also showed 31 species are possibility native based on the distribution meanwhile 12 species do not appear to have been recorded based of SeaLifeBase or WorMS. While providing a reference for further exploration of Indonesian coastal and small island decapod biodiversity, the high proportion of unidentified taxa calls for concerted efforts to develop and maintain reference specimen and sequence repositories and expand species conservation status assessments. The economically important decapod crustaceans identified in this study included three crabs (Charybdis anisodon, Charybdis japonica, Portunus pelagicus), a freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense), a lobster (Panulirus stimpsoni) and two penaeid shrimps (Mierspenaeopsis hardwickii and Trachysalambria aspera). For most decapod taxa, observed patterns indicate management under existing provincial and/or FMA level management structures is appropriate. Furthermore, the data can inform science-based fisheries management strategies, in particular for P. pelagicus.

Contradictory data is available on the intermediate host specificity of Sarcocystis spp. in farm animals. Therefore, the current work aimed at molecularly testing samples of sheep and goats reared in Lithuania to identify Sarcocystis species described in other intermediate hosts but suspected to be non-canonical parasites to these small ruminants. For this purpose, muscle samples from 47 domestic sheep and nine goats were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified using direct and nested PCR targeting cox1 and sequencing of positive amplified products. Along with the detection of the canonical Sarcocystis spp. in their respective intermediate hosts, the DNA of S. capracanis and S. morae was detected in sheep, although these species were previously thought to be specific to goats and deer, respectively. In addition, DNA from S. arieticanis and S. tenella was found in goats, even though these two species were believed to be sheep-specific. Notably, under light microscopy, only sarcocysts of S. capracanis specific to goats were observed. Thus, future research on the life cycle and host-specificity of Sarcocystis spp. examined is warranted.

Small mammals are an important group of wildlife that can transmit pathogens to humans and animals. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis in agricultural areas. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp., and to identify the parasite species found in the skeletal muscles of rodents and insectivores from commercial orchards. A total of 679 muscle samples from small mammals, mainly rodents (n = 674), belonging to eight species were examined. Muscle samples were pooled into groups, then digested, and the presence of the Sarcocystis species was confirmed by molecular methods. The examined parasites were determined in five rodent species, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus arvalis, and M. oeconomus. The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was low: 2.23% in voles and 0.79% in mice. Based on a sequence comparison of cox1 and 28S rDNA, four species were identified: S. myodes, Sarcocystis cf. strixi, Sarcocystis sp. Rod1, and Sarcocystis sp. Rod2. This is the first report of S. myodes in A. agrarius, A. flavicollis, and M. arvalis. The identified species were most closely related to Sarcocystis spp., and were transmitted by predatory mammals and birds. Future studies are needed to describe the species morphologically, as well as to define the host spectrum and to evaluate their possible pathogenicity.

Abstract Background Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey–predator two-host life-cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in the muscles or central nervous system of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey have been confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. Three Sarcocystis species, S. wobeseri, S. halieti and S. falcatula, have been identified in the muscles of birds of prey, of which the latter are known to be pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain. Methods Between 2019 and 2020, muscle tissue samples taken from 59 birds of prey admitted to the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Ilundain (Navarra, Spain) were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocysts in fresh squashed samples were morphologically characterized under the light microscope (LM). Sarcocystis spp. were identified by means of 28S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence analysis. Results Microscopic examination of squashed tissue samples stained with methylene blue revealed the presence of sarcocysts in three of the 59 (5.1%) birds examined. Only one sarcocyst type was observed under the LM. Sarcocysts were thread-like (1050–2160 × 130–158 μm) and had a thin (0.7–1.4 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Septa divided the cysts into compartments filled with banana-shaped (5.9 × 1.7 μm) bradyzoites. On the basis of DNA sequence results, S. halieti was identified in the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans) for the first time. Sarcocysts of S. halieti were shorter and wider compared to those observed in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). According to current knowledge, S. halieti may infect birds belonging to four different orders: Suliformes, Charadriiformes, Strigiformes and Accipitriformes. Conclusions This is the first report of S. halieti in the western marsh harrier and the black kite as IH. So far, little research has been conducted on birds of prey as IH for Sarcocystis spp. These results indicate that further studies combining morphological, histopathological, and molecular methods are required. Graphical abstract

Haemophilia patients with inhibitors suffer from increased morbidity and mortality due to the ineffectiveness of factor VIII replacement. Pseudotumors are rare but dangerous complications in these patients, and nasal pseudotumors are even rarer. Here, we present the case of a young child with severe haemophilia A with high titre inhibitors who developed a nasal pseudotumor. When immune tolerance therapy was not possible due to financial constraints, he was treated with FEIBA prophylaxis and rituximab. The pseudotumor was managed with surgical excision. We conclude that epistaxis in haemophiliacs can be due to an underlying nasal pseudotumor, and highlight the use of rituximab for the eradication of inhibitors.

The present study aimed to test intestinal scrapings of the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Lithuania for S. calchasi and other Sarcocystis species characterised by bird–bird life cycles. The protozoan parasite Sarcocystis calchasi can cause respiratory and neurological diseases in a variety of birds; however, the distribution of this parasite is not well-examined. Sarcocystis species were identified with nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region. Sporocysts and/or sporulated oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 16 (100%) Northern Goshawks and 9 (56.3%) Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Four species, S. columbae, S. halieti, S. turdusi, and S. wobeseri, were confirmed in the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Apart from the latter four species, S. calchasi, S. cornixi, S. kutkienae, and S. lari were established in the Northern Goshawk. A higher prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and species richness in Northern Goshawks is associated with the differences in the diet of two examined Accipiter species. This study is the first report of S. calchasi in Lithuania. Furthermore, the genetically distinct species Sarcocystis spp. 23LTAcc, which is most closely related to S. calchasi, was found in three Northern Goshawks.

Abstract Background Six Sarcocystis species are known to use cattle (Bos taurus) as the intermediate host, two of which, S. hominis and S. heydorni, are zoonotic. There is a need for a method that will enable rapid identification of the Sarcocystis species in cattle. Methods The diaphragm muscles of 102 cattle from Lithuania were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp., using two different methods for species identification. Individual sarcocysts were isolated from squash preparations of the diaphragm muscle under the light microscope, followed by genetic characterisation of excised cysts using sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA (18S rRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) genes. The same cattle muscle samples were digested and species-specific PCR analyses targeting cox1 were developed to identify the Sarcocystis isolates to the species level. Results Under the light microscope, sarcocysts were detected in 87.3% of animals, and Sarcocystis infection was verified in all digested samples. Three species, namely S. cruzi (n = 20), S. bovifelis (n = 23) and S. hirsuta (n = 6), were identified by DNA sequence analysis of isolated sarcocysts. Based on sequence analysis of cox1, the level of genetic variability depended on Sarcocystis species and geographical location. Four Sarcocystis species, S. cruzi (96.1%), S. bovifelis (71.6%), S. hirsuta (30.4%) and S. hominis (13.7%), were confirmed in the digested samples. In individual samples, the most common finding was two species of Sarcocystis (44.1%), followed by three species (26.5%), a single species (24.5%) and four species (4.9%). Conclusions Although examination of tissue preparations under the light microscrope did not detect any sarcocysts belonging to S. hominis, this species was identified in the digested samples subjected to a cox1-specific PCR analysis. These results demonstrate the need for effective molecular diagnosis techniques to detect Sarcocystis spp., which may be present at a lower prevalence and not detectable among the limited number of sarcocysts identified individually under the light microscope.