Search Results (431)

Via a One Health approach, this study concomitantly assessed the susceptibility of humans and dogs to Trypanosoma cruzi infections on three islands and in two mainland seashore areas of southern Brazil. Human serum samples were tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect anti-T. cruzi antibodies, while dog serum samples were tested using indirect fluorescent antibodies in an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Seropositive human and dog individuals were also tested using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in corresponding blood samples. Overall, 2/304 (0.6%) human and 1/292 dog samples tested seropositive for T. cruzi by ELISA and IFA, respectively, and these cases were also molecularly positive for T. cruzi by qPCR. Although a relatively low positivity rate was observed herein, these cases were likely autochthonous, and the individuals may have been infected as a consequence of isolated events of disturbance in the natural peridomicile areas nearby. Such a disturbance could come in the form of a fire or deforestation event, which can cause stress and parasitemia in wild reservoirs and, consequently, lead to positive triatomines. In conclusion, T. cruzi monitoring should always be conducted in suspicious areas to ensure a Chagas disease-free status over time. Further studies should also consider entomological and wildlife surveillance to fully capture the transmission and spread of T. cruzi on islands and in seashore mainland areas of Brazil and other endemic countries. Full article

HIV infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly preeclampsia (PE) with severe features, are leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. This study investigates the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and prostacyclin (PGI2) concentrations in endothelial impairment in normotensive pregnant versus PE women within an HIV endemic setting in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The study population (n = 84) was grouped according to pregnancy type, i.e., normotensive (n = 42) and PE (n = 42), and further stratified by HIV status. Clinical factors were maternal age, weight, blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) levels, and gestational age. Plasma concentrations of ADMA and PGI2 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Differences in outcomes were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis test together with Dunn’s multiple-comparison post hoc test. The non-parametric data were presented as medians and interquartile ranges. Gravidity, gestational age, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly different across the study groups where p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Furthermore, the concentration of ADMA was significantly elevated in PE HIV-positive vs. PE HIV-negative (p = 0.0174) groups. PGI2 did not show a significant difference in PE compared to normotensive pregnancies (p = 0.8826) but was significantly different across all groups (p = 0.0212). An increase in plasma ADMA levels was observed in the preeclampsia HIV-negative group compared to the normotensive HIV-negative group. This is linked to the role played by ADMA in endothelial impairment, a characteristic of PE development. PGI2 levels were decreased in PE compared to the normotensive group regardless of HIV status. These findings draw attention to the importance of endothelial indicators in pathogenesis and possibly early prediction of PE development. Full article

Posidonia oceanica seagrass, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, provides ecological goods and ecosystem services of paramount importance. In shallow and sheltered bays, P. oceanica meadows can reach the sea surface, with leaf tips slightly emerging, forming fringing and barrier reefs. During the 20th century, P. oceanica declined conspicuously in the vicinity of large ports and urbanized areas, particularly in the north-western Mediterranean. The main causes of decline are land reclamation, anchoring, bottom trawling, turbidity and pollution. Artificial sand nourishment of beaches has also been called into question, with sand flowing into the sea, burying and destroying neighbouring meadows. A fringing reef of P. oceanica, located at Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, near the port of Toulon (Provence, France), is severely degraded. Analysis of aerial photos shows that, since the beginning of the 2000s, it has remained stable in some parts or continued to decline in others. This contrasts with the trend towards recovery, observed in France, thanks to e.g., the legally protected status of P. oceanica, and the reduction of pollution and coastal developments. The sand nourishment of the study beach, renewed every year, with the sand being washed or blown very quickly (within a few months) from the beach into the sea, burying the P. oceanica meadow, seems the most likely explanation. Other factors, such as pollution, trampling by beachgoers and overgrazing, may also play a role in the decline. Full article

Background: Anaemia in adolescents can be influenced by parasitic infections, systemic inflammation, and nutritional status. Objective: To determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP), nutritional status, and infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, or Trichuris trichiura are associated with anaemia in adolescent athletes from Tacna compared to non-athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 male football players aged 13–18 years and 150 age-matched non-athletes. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin, serum iron, CRP, and parasitic status were measured; mean comparisons and logistic regression were applied. Results: Anaemia was more prevalent among athletes than non-athletes (30% vs. 18%; p < 0.001). Infected athletes showed lower haemoglobin (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) and higher CRP (5.0 ± 1.9 mg/L) levels compared to non-infected athletes (13.8 ± 1.0 g/dL and 2.2 ± 1.1 mg/L; p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified CRP as an independent predictor of anaemia (adjusted OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08–1.38; p < 0.001), while parasitic infections showed no direct association after adjustment. Underweight status was associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia (36%). Conclusions: Systemic inflammation emerged as the main factor associated with anaemia in this population, with parasitic infections contributing indirectly by increasing inflammation. Periodic deworming, iron supplementation, and CRP monitoring are recommended to reduce the burden of anaemia in adolescent athletes from endemic regions. Full article

Over 40% of freshwater fish species in Europe are currently at risk of extinction, highlighting the need for improved conservation planning. This study examines whether the threat status is associated with life-history and ecological traits across 580 autochthonous (native and endemic) freshwater fish species in European inland waters. Using data from FishBase and the IUCN Red List, we assessed associations between threat level and both categorical (e.g., migratory behavior, commercial importance, reproductive guild, and body shape) and numerical traits (e.g., maximum length, weight, age, growth parameters, and maturity traits). Significant, though modest, associations were identified between species threat level and migratory behavior and reproductive guild. Non-migratory species exhibited higher median threat levels, while amphidromous species showed a non-significant trend toward higher threat, suggesting that limited dispersal ability and dependence on fragmented freshwater networks may increase extinction vulnerability. Species with unclassified reproductive strategies also showed elevated threat levels, possibly reflecting both actual risk and underlying data gaps. In contrast, body shape and trophic level were not significantly associated with threat status. Critically Endangered species tend to be larger, heavier, and mature later—traits characteristic of slow life history strategies that limit population recovery. Although length at maturity and maximum age did not differ significantly among IUCN categories, age at maturity was significantly higher in more threatened species, and growth rate (K) was negatively correlated with threat level. Together, these patterns suggest that slower-growing, later-maturing species face elevated extinction risk. Overall, the findings underscore that the threat level in European freshwater fish is shaped by complex interactions between intrinsic biological traits and external pressures. Trait-based approaches can enhance extinction risk assessments and conservation prioritization, especially in data-deficient freshwater ecosystems facing multifaceted environmental challenges. Full article

This study presents an integrative investigation of four rare and threatened plant species—Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin, Astragalus rubtzovii Boriss., Schmalhausenia nidulans (Regel) Petr., and Rheum wittrockii Lundstr.—native to the Ile Alatau and Ketmen ridges of the Northern Tian Shan in Kazakhstan. Combining chloroplast genome sequencing, geobotanical surveys, and anatomical and population structure analyses, we aimed to assess the ecological adaptation, genetic distinctiveness, and conservation status of these species. Field surveys revealed that population structures varied across species, with T. kok-saghyz and S. nidulans dominated by mature vegetative and generative individuals, while A. rubtzovii and R. wittrockii exhibited stable age spectra marked by reproductive maturity and ongoing recruitment. Chloroplast genome assemblies revealed characteristic patterns of plastid evolution, including structural conservation in S. nidulans and R. wittrockii, and a reduced inverted repeat region in A. rubtzovii, consistent with its placement in the IR-lacking clade of Fabaceae. Morphological and anatomical traits reflected habitat-specific adaptations such as tomentose surfaces, thickened epidermis, and efficient vascular systems. Despite these adaptations, anthropogenic pressures including overgrazing and habitat degradation pose significant risks to population viability. Our findings underscore the need for targeted conservation measures, continuous monitoring, and habitat management to ensure the long-term survival of these ecologically and genetically valuable endemic species. Full article

Carassius auratus var. suogu, an endemic fish in southern China, is a natural triploid crucian carp mutant. In this study, the characteristics of mitochondrial DNA sequences were analyzed to understand their taxonomic status and genetic background at the gene level. The complete mitochondrial genome of C. auratus var. suogu (length, 16,580 bp) comprises 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNAs) genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNAs) genes) and a non-coding control region. The RSCU of the mtDNA of Carassius was similar. Ka/Ks analyses showed the ND4 gene had the highest evolutionary rate. Moreover, the whole mitogenome sequences and D-loop region were employed to examine phylogenetic relationships among C. auratus var. suogu and other closely related species. The result indicated that Carassius auratus suogu var clustered with Carassius auratus auratus and divided Carassius into four clades, providing new insights and data support for the taxonomic status of Carassius. Full article

Abies nebrodensis L. is a critically endangered conifer endemic to Sicily (Italy). Its residual population is confined to the Madonie mountain range under challenging climatological conditions. Despite the good adaptation shown by the relict population to the environmental conditions occurring in its habitat, Abies nebrodensis is subject to a series of threats, including climate change. Effective conservation strategies require reliable and versatile methods for monitoring its health status. Combining high-resolution remote sensing data with reanalysis of climatological datasets, this study aimed to identify correlations between vegetation indices (NDVI, GreenDVI, and EVI) and key climatological variables (temperature and precipitation) using advanced machine learning techniques. High-resolution RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and IrRG (infrared, Red, Green) maps were used to delineate tree crowns and extract statistics related to the selected vegetation indices. The results of phytosanitary inspections and multispectral analyses showed that the microclimatic conditions at the site level influence both the impact of crown disorders and tree physiology in terms of water content and photosynthetic activity. Hence, the correlation between the phytosanitary inspection results and vegetation indices suggests that multispectral techniques with drones can provide reliable indications of the health status of Abies nebrodensis trees. The findings of this study provide significant insights into the influence of environmental stress on Abies nebrodensis and offer a basis for developing new monitoring procedures that could assist in managing conservation measures. Full article

The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus), an endangered feline endemic to Tsushima Island, Japan, faces critical threats due to its small and isolated population. Understanding its demographic history and genetic differentiation from continental populations is essential for conservation planning. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of four Tsushima individuals and applied demographic inference methods, including pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) and Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (SMC++), to reconstruct the historical effective population size (Ne) and estimate divergence times. PSMC revealed a population expansion between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago, followed by a long-term decline. SMC++ inferred a continuous decline and estimated that the divergence from the Korean leopard cat population occurred approximately 30,000–20,000 years ago. Genetic diversity analysis showed that the Tsushima population has significantly lower heterozygosity and higher inbreeding levels than continental populations. Genetic clustering based on genome-wide SNPs indicated that the Tsushima population is genetically closest to the Korean population, forming a northern cluster distinct from southern populations, such as Borneo and the Malay Peninsula. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history and genetic status of the Tsushima leopard cat and contribute critical data for the design of future conservation strategies targeting this unique insular lineage. Full article

The Catostemma clade comprises three genera: Aguiaria, Catostemma, and Scleronema. These genera are representatives of the tribe Adansonieae, and are part of the subfamily Bombacoideae of the Malvaceae family. Taxonomic studies of these genera are scarce and limited to isolated publications of new species or regional floras. We reviewed their taxonomy, morphology, and geography, and assessed gaps in our knowledge of this group. We carried out a bibliographic survey, an analysis of herbarium collections, and collected new material in Brazilian forests. Here, we provide an identification key, nomenclatural revisions, morphological descriptions, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution maps, illustrations, and analyses of the conservation status for all species. We also discuss probable synapomorphies of the clade, to advance our understanding of phylogenetic relationships within the Adansonieae tribe of Bombacoideae. In total, we recognize 16 species: 1 Aguiaria, 12 Catostemma, and 3 Scleronema, of which 7 are endemic to Brazil, 1 to Colombia, and 1 to Venezuela. Two species are ranked as Critically Endangered (CR), and four as Data Deficient (DD). Full article

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) remains a major concern for cattle industries worldwide due to its persistent nature, economic impact, and challenges in control. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive nationwide survey of BLV in Kazakhstan between 2014 and 2024, utilizing serological diagnostics to assess prevalence and characterize viral genotypes (2024). A total of 433,537 serum samples were screened by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), revealing an overall seroprevalence of 5.87%, with the highest rates observed in the North Kazakhstan, Kostanay, and East Kazakhstan regions. In 2024, a targeted analysis of 3736 serum and 536 whole blood samples across 17 regions was performed using AGID, ELISA, real-time PCR, and nested PCR. ELISA demonstrated higher sensitivity than AGID (10.4% vs. 8.2%), confirmed by statistical correlation (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p = 0.026). Real-time PCR detected BLV DNA in 4.7% of samples, with the highest positivity in the East Kazakhstan and Abai regions, confirming active viral circulation. Validation of a domestically developed AGID diagnostic kit showed full concordance with commercial assays (IDEXX, IDvet), supporting its use in national surveillance programs. These findings highlight the endemic status of BLV in Kazakhstan. Molecular analysis of sequenced isolates revealed the presence of genotype G-7, consistent with strains circulating in neighboring countries. Together, these results underscore the importance of integrated serological and molecular approaches for effective monitoring and control. Full article

Silurus lanzhouensis is a large-sized commercial fish species endemic to the mid-upper reaches of the Yellow River, serving as a “Card of Aquatic Biological Species in the Yellow River”. However, due to factors such as overfishing and habitat changes, it has been listed as an endangered species. In order to protect and restore its wild resources, we conducted a detailed study for the first time from 2022 to 2024 on the age composition, growth characteristics, mortality rate, and current status of resource exploitation of the S. lanzhouensis population in the upper Yellow River. A total of 489 individuals underwent measurements for their total length (L) and body weight (W), with age determination conducted using lapillus otoliths. The collected samples exhibited a spectrum of total lengths spanning from 2.5 to 63.7 cm, body weights ranging from 0.11 to 1974.15 g, and ages ranging from 1 to 6 years. Further analysis of the length–weight relationships unveiled an allometric growth index (b) of 2.9562 for the overall samples, indicating an isometric growth pattern. Additionally, insights into the growth characteristics of S. lanzhouensis were provided by the von Bertalanffy growth function, revealing an asymptotic total length (L_∞) of 119.30 cm and a growth coefficient (K) of 0.1278 yr⁻¹. The growth characteristic index (φ) totaled 3.2598, suggesting a moderate growth rate in comparison to other Silurus species. The total mortality rate (Z) recorded for the population of S. lanzhouensis was found to be 0.5296 yr⁻¹. Through the application of three distinct methodologies on exhaustive samples, the average natural mortality rate (M) was calculated to be 0.3105 yr⁻¹. Consequently, the fishing mortality rate (F) for the entire sample set was determined to be 0.2191 yr⁻¹, leading to an exploitation rate (E) of 0.4137. Based on the survey findings, it is evident that the population of S. lanzhouensis has not been subjected to over-exploitation, attributable to ongoing stock enhancement. These results also provide foundational data for the protection and restoration of S. lanzhouensis in the upper Yellow River. Full article

Global biodiversity losses continue despite intensive conservation efforts. Many mammal species are understudied due to their specialized ecological niches. One such species is the Philippine colugo (Cynocephalus volans), a nocturnal endemic species in the Philippines. In this study, we utilized Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) to obtain baseline information on species knowledge, attitudes, population status, and threats. Between June and September 2023, we interviewed 471 residents across all villages in Anda, Bohol. The majority of local people recognized the species and had witnessed it in Anda, occasionally near households. Residents have limited knowledge of colugo diet and distribution, which they get primarily through word-of-mouth and personal experience. The species is perceived as neutral, but the willingness to conserve it is high. Although the Philippine colugo population seems to be present in several villages in Anda, one-fourth of the respondents believe it is declining. We identified hunting for consumption as the main threat to the colugo population in Anda, which, together with other threats, may corroborate this result. We recommend actively involving male farmers in colugo population monitoring and behavioral observations, as well as investigating the drivers and importance of colugo meat consumption among residents to design a proper conservation strategy. Full article

Background: Despite ongoing global elimination efforts, measles remains a persistent public health threat. Methods: This retrospective observational study examines trends in crude measles incidence and vaccination coverage from 1948 to 2024 in the northern region of Serbia—Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (AP Vojvodina)—which accounts for 26.9% of the national population. This study further explores measles vaccination coverage across the province’s seven districts, along with the number of reported measles cases, age distribution, and vaccination status of affected individuals from 2000 to 2024. Data were obtained from official annual immunization records maintained by public health institutions within the framework of Serbia’s national mandatory immunization program. Results: A notable resurgence of measles occurred in Serbia during 2017–2018, following a decline in vaccination coverage. In AP Vojvodina, outbreaks were recorded in 2007, 2014–2015, and 2017–2018, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children and adults aged 20–39 years. Since 2019, the measles incidence has significantly declined. During the 2018 outbreak, the highest incidence was observed among children aged 1–4 years (40.6 per 100,000), followed by infants under 1 year (17.3 per 100,000) and adults aged 20–39 years (12.5 per 100,000). An analysis of the data from 2000 to 2024 revealed substantial age- and dose-related differences in measles incidence, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, those who had received one or two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MCV), and those with unknown vaccination status. During the 2017–2018 epidemic, unvaccinated children under 1 year and those aged 1–4 years were the most affected. A marked increase in cases among single-dose recipients was noted in 2018, especially in adults aged 20–39 years (9.5%) and those ≥40 years (13.5%). A considerable proportion of measles cases in these age groups had unknown vaccination status: 33.1% among individuals aged 20–39 years and 18.2% among those aged ≥ 40 years. Epidemiological investigation linked the 2007 and 2014–2015 outbreaks in AP Vojvodina to importations from Bosnia and Herzegovina. No specific source was identified for the 2017–2018 outbreak, suggesting possible endemic transmission. Conclusions: These findings underscore the impact of fluctuating vaccination coverage on measles resurgence. Sustaining high two-dose MCV coverage, strengthening routine immunization programs, enhancing surveillance systems, and ensuring timely outbreak preparedness are critical measures for achieving effective measles control. Full article

The number of Fritillaria species native to the Alps has long been debated, and observational biases due to the short flowering periods and the scattered distributions of endemic Fritillaria populations along the mountain range have probably made the task of botanists more complicated. Moreover, previous phylogenetic studies in Fritillaria have considered alpine taxa only marginally. To test species boundaries within the F. tubaeformis species complex and to study their phylogenetic relationships, intra- and inter-specific genetic variability of sixteen samples belonging to four Fritillaria species was carried out in different localities of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, with extensions to the rest of the Alpine arc. The combined use of five plastid DNA markers (matK, ndhF, rpl16, rpoC1, and petA-psbJ) and nrITS showed that F. tubaeformis and F. burnatii are phylogenetically independent taxa, fully confirming morphological and morphometric divergences and, that F. burnatii is not related phylogenetically to the central European F. meleagris. Our phylogenetic study also supports the separation of F. tubaeformis from F. moggridgei, pointing to environment/ecological constraints or reproductive barriers as possible causes of their distinct evolutionary status. Our analysis also showed that the mountain endemic F. involucrata is not closely related to F. tubaeformis, contrasting with previous studies. The phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS region supports a close relationship between F. burnatii and F. moggridgei, but with low statistical support. Full article