Biology of the invasive ascidian Ascidiella aspersa in its native habitat: Reproductive patterns and parasite load

2016 ◽  
Vol 181 ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Lynch ◽  
Grainne Darmody ◽  
Katie O'Dwyer ◽  
Mary Catherine Gallagher ◽  
Sinead Nolan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Load ◽  
Reproductive Patterns ◽  
Native Habitat ◽  
Ascidiella Aspersa

Averting robo-bees: why free-flying robotic bees are a bad idea

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-729
Author(s):  
Roslyn Gleadow ◽  
Jim Hanan ◽  
Alan Dorin
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Food Security ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Plant Insect Interactions ◽  
Native Habitat ◽  
Insect Pollinators ◽  
Insect Interactions

Food security and the sustainability of native ecosystems depends on plant-insect interactions in countless ways. Recently reported rapid and immense declines in insect numbers due to climate change, the use of pesticides and herbicides, the introduction of agricultural monocultures, and the destruction of insect native habitat, are all potential contributors to this grave situation. Some researchers are working towards a future where natural insect pollinators might be replaced with free-flying robotic bees, an ecologically problematic proposal. We argue instead that creating environments that are friendly to bees and exploring the use of other species for pollination and bio-control, particularly in non-European countries, are more ecologically sound approaches. The computer simulation of insect-plant interactions is a far more measured application of technology that may assist in managing, or averting, ‘Insect Armageddon' from both practical and ethical viewpoints.

Dynamics of T Cells Repertoire During Trypanosoma cruzi Infection and its Post-Treatment Modulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (36) ◽  
pp. 6519-6543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Egui ◽  
Paola Lasso ◽  
Elena Pérez-Antón ◽  
M. Carmen Thomas ◽  
Manuel Carlos López
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Cruzi Infection

Chagas disease courses with different clinical phases and has a variable clinical presentation and progression. The acute infection phase mostly exhibits a non-specific symptomatology. In the absence of treatment, the acute phase is followed by a chronic phase, which is initially asymptomatic. This chronic asymptomatic phase of the disease is characterized by a fragile balance between the host’s immune response and the parasite replication. The loss of this balance is crucial for the progression of the sickness. The virulence and tropism of the T. cruzi infecting strain together to the inflammation processes in the cardiac tissue are the main factors for the establishment and severity of the cardiomyopathy. The efficacy of treatment in chronic Chagas disease patients is controversial. However, several studies carried out in chronic patients demonstrated that antiparasitic treatment reduces parasite load in the bloodstream and leads to an improvement in the immune response against the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. The present review is mainly focused on the cellular patterns associated to the clinical status and the evolution of the disease in chronic patients, as well as the effectiveness of the treatment related to T. cruzi infection control. Therefore, an emphasis is placed on the dynamics of specific-antigens T cell subpopulations, their memory and activation phenotypes, their functionality and their contribution to pathogenesis or disease control, as well as their association with risk of congenital transmission of the parasite.

Reproduction

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Burton ◽  
Margaret Burton
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
Adult Fish ◽  
Reproductive Patterns ◽  
Cell Divisions ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
External Cues ◽  
Neural Factors

Interspecific fish reproductive patterns, outputs and life cycles display the greatest variability within the vertebrates. Early stages of oogenesis can be repeated in adult fish, contrasting with mammals; the pre-set sequence of cell divisions in gametogenesis is otherwise similar and is described in detail. Most fish deposit much yolk (vitellogenesis) in developing eggs. Migrations, beach-spawning and mouth-brooding are some of the interesting variations. Fertilization is predominantly external but is internal in some groups such as chondrichthyans. The omission of annual reproduction is well established in some freshwater species and the idea that this may also be the case for marine teleosts is gaining acceptance. This should be taken into account for intensively fished species. The possible roles of external cues, hormones, pheromones and neural factors acting as ‘switches’ and coordinators in gametogenesis and reproductive behaviour are discussed.

Restoration of the Aurora Trout to Its Acid-Damaged Native Habitat

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1307-1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. SNUCINS ◽  
J. M. GUNN ◽  
W. KELLER
Keyword(s):  
Native Habitat

scholarly journals Comparison of leucocyte profiles between healthy children and those with asymptomatic and symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Ahu Prah ◽  
Linda Eva Amoah ◽  
Matthew P. Gibbins ◽  
Yaw Bediako ◽  
Aubrey J. Cunnington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Peripheral Cell ◽  
Peripheral Blood Leucocyte ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background The immune mechanisms that determine whether a Plasmodium falciparum infection would be symptomatic or asymptomatic are not fully understood. Several studies have been carried out to characterize the associations between disease outcomes and leucocyte numbers. However, the majority of these studies have been conducted in adults with acute uncomplicated malaria, despite children being the most vulnerable group. Methods Peripheral blood leucocyte subpopulations were characterized in children with acute uncomplicated (symptomatic; n = 25) or asymptomatic (n = 67) P. falciparum malaria, as well as malaria-free (uninfected) children (n = 16) from Obom, a sub-district of Accra, Ghana. Leucocyte subpopulations were enumerated by flow cytometry and correlated with two measures of parasite load: (a) plasma levels of P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) as a proxy for parasite biomass and (b) peripheral blood parasite densities determined by microscopy. Results In children with symptomatic P. falciparum infections, the proportions and absolute cell counts of total (CD3 +) T cells, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, CD19 + B cells and CD11c + dendritic cells (DCs) were significantly lower as compared to asymptomatic P. falciparum-infected and uninfected children. Notably, CD15 + neutrophil proportions and cell counts were significantly increased in symptomatic children. There was no significant difference in the proportions and absolute counts of CD14 + monocytes amongst the three study groups. As expected, measures of parasite load were significantly higher in symptomatic cases. Remarkably, PfHRP2 levels and parasite densities negatively correlated with both the proportions and absolute numbers of peripheral leucocyte subsets: CD3 + T, CD4 + T, CD8 + T, CD19 + B, CD56 + NK, γδ + T and CD11c + cells. In contrast, both PfHRP2 levels and parasite densities positively correlated with the proportions and absolute numbers of CD15 + cells. Conclusions Symptomatic P. falciparum infection is correlated with an increase in the levels of peripheral blood neutrophils, indicating a role for this cell type in disease pathogenesis. Parasite load is a key determinant of peripheral cell numbers during malaria infections.

scholarly journals Multivariate Abundance Analysis of Multi-Host/Multi-Parasite Lungworms in a Sympatric Wild Ruminant Population

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Tessa Carrau ◽  
Carlos Martínez-Carrasco ◽  
María Magdalena Garijo ◽  
Francisco Alonso ◽  
Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Level ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Marginal Effect ◽  
Wild Ruminant ◽  
Additional Species ◽  
Parasite Abundance ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Natural Dynamics

In the analysis of a multi-host/multi-parasite system and its associated risk factors, it is particularly interesting to understand the natural dynamics among pathogens, their hosts, and the environment in wildlife populations. This analysis is particularly feasible in a scenario where multiple overlapping host populations are present in high densities, along with a complex community of parasites. We aimed to describe and analyze the naturally occurring lungworm polyparasitism in a wild ruminant community in Southeast Spain. The respiratory tracts of 250 specimens belonging to four different species (red deer, mouflon, Iberian ibex, and fallow deer) were studied. Almost half (48.0%) of the animals were infected with bronchopulmonary nematodes. Seven different nematodes were identified of which two genera (Protostrongylus spp. and Dictyocaulus spp.) and three additional species (Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, and Neostrongylus linearis) were recorded in at least two ruminants, with the mouflon as the commonest host. Our study shows a significant effect of host species and sampling area, plus a marginal effect of age, on parasite multivariate abundance at the host population level. Mouflon and adults of all hosts appear to carry the highest parasite load on average. From a spatial perspective, the highest parasite abundance was detected at the central part of the park.

scholarly journals Film-Forming Systems for the Delivery of DNDI-0690 to Treat Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 516
Author(s):  
Katrien Van Bocxlaer ◽  
Kerri-Nicola McArthur ◽  
Andy Harris ◽  
Mo Alavijeh ◽  
Stéphanie Braillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Mouse Skin ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Leishmania Species ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Sustained Drug Delivery ◽  
Film Forming ◽  
The Impact

In cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), parasites reside in the dermis, creating an opportunity for local drug administration potentially reducing adverse effects and improving treatment adherence compared to current therapies. Polymeric film-forming systems (FFSs) are directly applied to the skin and form a thin film as the solvent evaporates. In contrast to conventional topical dosage forms, FFSs strongly adhere to the skin, favouring sustained drug delivery to the affected site, reducing the need for frequent applications, and enhancing patient compliance. This study reports the first investigation of the use of film-forming systems for the delivery of DNDI-0690, a nitroimidazole compound with potent activity against CL-causing Leishmania species. A total of seven polymers with or without plasticiser were evaluated for drying time, stickiness, film-flexibility, and cosmetic attributes; three FFSs yielded a positive evaluation for all test parameters. The impact of each of these FFSs on the permeation of the model skin permeant hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone, 1% (w/v) across the Strat-M membrane was evaluated, and the formulations resulting in the highest and lowest permeation flux (Klucel LF with triethyl citrate and Eudragit RS with dibutyl sebacate, respectively) were selected as the FFS vehicle for DNDI-0690. The release and skin distribution of the drug upon application to Leishmania-infected and uninfected BALB/c mouse skin were examined using Franz diffusion cells followed by an evaluation of the efficacy of both DNDI-0690 FFSs (1% (w/v)) in an experimental CL model. Whereas the Eudragit film resulted in a higher permeation of DNDI-0690, the Klucel film was able to deposit four times more drug into the skin, where the parasite resides. Of the FFSs formulations, only the Eudragit system resulted in a reduced parasite load, but not reduced lesion size, when compared to the vehicle only control. Whereas drug delivery into the skin was successfully modulated using different FFS systems, the FFS systems selected were not effective for the topical application of DNDI-0690. The convenience and aesthetic of FFS systems alongside their ability to modulate drug delivery to and into the skin merit further investigation using other promising antileishmanial drugs.

scholarly journals Absence of Bim sensitizes mice to experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Hernández-Torres ◽  
Rogério Silva do Nascimento ◽  
Monica Cardozo Rebouças ◽  
Alexandra Cassado ◽  
Kely Catarine Matteucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
No Production ◽  
Similar Reduction ◽  
Ifn Γ

AbstractChagas disease is a life-threatening disorder caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasite-specific antibodies, CD8+ T cells, as well as IFN-γ and nitric oxide (NO) are key elements of the adaptive and innate immunity against the extracellular and intracellular forms of the parasite. Bim is a potent pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family implicated in different aspects of the immune regulation, such as negative selection of self-reactive thymocytes and elimination of antigen-specific T cells at the end of an immune response. Interestingly, the role of Bim during infections remains largely unidentified. To explore the role of Bim in Chagas disease, we infected WT, Bim+/−, Bim−/− mice with trypomastigotes forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi. Strikingly, our data revealed that Bim−/− mice exhibit a delay in the development of parasitemia followed by a deficiency in the control of parasite load in the bloodstream and a decreased survival compared to WT and Bim+/− mice. At the peak of parasitemia, peritoneal macrophages of Bim−/− mice exhibit decreased NO production, which correlated with a decrease in the pro-inflammatory Small Peritoneal Macrophage (SPM) subset. A similar reduction in NO secretion, as well as in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-6, was also observed in Bim−/− splenocytes. Moreover, an impaired anti-T. cruzi CD8+ T-cell response was found in Bim−/− mice at this time point. Taken together, our results suggest that these alterations may contribute to the establishment of a delayed yet enlarged parasitic load observed at day 9 after infection of Bim−/− mice and place Bim as an important protein in the control of T. cruzi infections.

Correlations between tissue parasite load and common clinical signs in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum

2021 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 109368
Author(s):  
Úrsula Maira Russo Chagas ◽  
Daniel Moreira de Avelar ◽  
Andreza Pain Marcelino ◽  
Gustavo Fontes Paz ◽  
Célia Maria Ferreira Gontijo
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Parasite Load
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