Hepatolithiasis:Epidemiology,presentation,classification and management of a complex disease

The term hepatolithiasis describes the presence of biliary stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts,above the hilar confluence of the hepatic ducts.The disease is more prevalent in Asia,mainly owing to socioeconomic and dietary factors,as well as the prevalence of biliary parasites.In the last century,owing to migration,its global incidence has increased.The main pathophysiological mechanisms involve cholangitis,bile infection and biliary strictures,creating a self-sustaining cycle that perpetuates the disease,frequently characterised by recurrent episodes of bacterial infection referred to as syndrome of“recurrent pyogenic cholangitis”.Furthermore,long-standing hepatolithiasis is a known risk factor for development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Various classifications have aimed at providing useful insight of clinically relevant aspects and guidance for treatment.The management of symptomatic patients and those with complications can be complex,and relies upon a multidisciplinary team of hepatologists,endoscopists,interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons,with the main goal being to offer relief from the clinical presentations and prevent the development of more serious complications.This comprehensive review provides insight on various aspects of hepatolithiasis,with a focus on epidemiology,new evidence on pathophysiology,most important clinical aspects,different classification systems and contemporary management.

Taxonomic Study of Five Parasitic Polypores of the Hymenochaetaceae Family of TIN Vegetation in Western Burkina Faso

The aim of this work is to inventory and study the lignicolous parasitic macrofungi of the Tin plant formation. The mycological outings from July to September 2018 and 2019, collected forty-four (44) basidiomes through a random sampling device over an area of 40,000 m2 including 1000 m long by 40 m2 wide. The standard methods and techniques used in mycology for taxonomic studies were used to describe and classify the carpophores collected in three families: Hymenochaetaceae, Ganodermataceae and Polyporaceae, into eight genera: Onnia (4.55%), Amauroderma (4.55%), Ganoderma (20.45%), Phellinus (52.27%), Inonotus (4.55%), Phellinopsis (6.82%), Grammothele (2.27%) and Trametes (4.55%). The genera Phellinus and Ganoderma were the most abundant. Finally, eight species were identified: Inonotus cf. ochroporus, Inonotus cf. pachyphloeus, Phellinus cf. cryptarum, Phellinus cf. hartigii, Phellinus cf. hippophaecola;Phellinus cf. robustus, Phellinus cf. igniarius, et Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum. Seven fungal species belong to the family Hymenochaetaceae and only the species Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum is a Ganodermataceae. However, all these fungal species are shown to be parasites of trunks and/or branches of the following woody: Parkia biglobosa (50%), Anogeissus leiocarpus (25%), Annona senegalensis (12.5%) and Mangifera indica (12.5%). Authors attest that the presence of phytoparasitic polypores in a plant formation is an indicator of aging hence the urgency to put in place the appropriate measures to safeguard and restore Tin’s plant formation.

Do brood parasitic Common Cuckoos develop brood patches during the breeding season?

Many birds develop brood patches on their ventral apterium under hormonal regulation to effectively transmit body heat to eggs during incubation.The developed patch has several characteristics,including de-feathering,vascularization,and edema.However,little is known about whether avian brood parasites that do not incubate their eggs exhibit brood patch development during the breeding season.In this study,we measured the size of the ventral apterium in 114 Common Cuckoos(Cuculus canorus)captured in the field throughout the breeding season and examined the appearance of the ventral apterium to confirm the development of brood patches.We also examined whether morphological traits and various factors correlated with the size of the ventral apterium(sternal apterium and abdominal apterium)and how it changed during the breeding season.We found no clear signs of brood patch development in Common Cuckoos captured throughout the breeding season,indicating that they likely did not develop brood patches on the ventral apterium during this period.We also found that ventral apterium size was positively correlated with wing length and body weight.In addition,Common Cuckoos with newly growing feathers on the boundary of the ventral apterium with pteryla were frequently observed as seasons progressed to the end.In conclusion,Common Cuckoos exhibit neither brood patch development nor the vestigial characteristics of ancestral brood patches,except for the growth of feathers on boundary the ventral apterium.Further studies examining brood patches across different groups of avian brood parasites are valuable for enhancing our understanding of the developmental and physiological adaptations of avian brood parasites.

Parasites of the liver:A global problem?

Parasitic liver diseases can be caused by trematodes,cestodes,nematodes,and protozoa.This pathology is significant because millions of people in different parts of the world have liver parasites,which can manifest themselves in the development of inflammation,liver cysts,cholecystitis,cholelithiasis,pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis that are often threatening their lives.The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers three species of trematodes,Schistosoma haematobium,Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis,to be carcinogens.Complex modern examination methods,in some cases including extensive screening of large populations,are required for diagnosing liver parasites.Treatment of parasitic liver diseases is differentiated and can involve a combination of surgical and therapeutic measures.There is no doubt that the clinical and epidemiological scale allows one to regard parasitic liver diseases as a global healthcare problem.

Yr5-virulent races of Puccinia striiformis f.sp.tritici possess relative parasitic fitness higher than current main predominant races and potential risk

Wheat stripe rust,caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp.tritici(Pst),is one of the most destructive fungal diseases of wheat,and seriously threatens safe production of the crop worldwide.In China,new races historically appeared and rapidly developed to be predominant races and have resulted in ineffectiveness and replacement of wheat resistance cultivars as well as massive reduction in yield.In the present study,the relative parasitic fitness of the two newlyemerged Yr5-virulent races(TSA-6 and TSA-9)were compared with those of four currently predominant Chinese races(CYR31,CYR32,CYR33,and CYR34)based on evaluation on 10 Chinese wheat cultivars.As a result,there were significant differences in the relative parasitic fitness parameters among overall tested races based on multiple comparison(LSD)analysis(P<0.05).The principal component analysis(PCA)of overall parasitic fitness parameters indicated that the sporulation ability,infection and spore survivability,expansion capacity,and potential pathogenicity were the most important parasitic fitness attributes of the tested races.Based on the establishment of extracted three principal components and a comprehensive factor score mathematical models,evaluations of the parasitic fitness attributes of tested races showed that the level of relative parasitic fitness of the tested six races was:CYR32(1.15)>TSA-9(0.95)>TSA-6(0.92)>CYR34(0.29)>CYR31(–1.54)>CYR33(–1.77).The results indicated that two Yr5-virulent races TSA-9 and TSA-6 possessed relative parasitic fitness higher than races CYR34,CYR31,and CYR33,but lower than race CYR32,and have potential risks in developing to be predominant races.Therefore,continual monitoring of both Yr5-virulent races,and their variants is needed.The use of wheat cultivars(lines)with Yr5 resistance gene singly in wheat breeding is essential for being avoided,and is suggested to combine with other effective stripe rust resistance genes.

A review of selected parasitic plants in Nigeria:converting harms to benefits

Parasitic plants are challenging to agricultural crops and forestry development,which are sources of major revenues in several countries,including Nigeria.Nevertheless,parasitic plants are important to human society as they have an abundance of bioactive compounds with pharmacological relevance.Thus,it becomes expedient to know the benefits of these plants and potential means of management.This review discusses four selected parasitic plants in Nigeria,namely Viscum album,Striga hermonthica,Tapinanthus bangwensis and Cuscuta campestris.Relevant information about their pharmacological relevance and biocontrol was obtained from credible databases,including the National Library of Medicine,SCOPUS,and Google Scholar.The review showed that all four plants have been extensively studied for their antioxidant and antitumor properties.Also,antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are common pharmacological values among parasitic plants.These are largely due to the presence of abundant beneficial classes of phytocompounds.Furthermore,there is an increasing number of biocontrol studies on the use of microorganisms,such as Phaeobotryosphaeria visci,Sphaeropsis visci,Pandoraea pulminicol,Colletotrichum gloeosporioides,and Fusarium oxysporum in controlling and managing these seemingly disastrous plants.It is hoped that this review will spur further studies into the conservation and proper management of parasitic plants using strategically developed biocontrol.

Countermeasures of Goat Parasitic Diseases in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is located in western Hunan province with abundant pastures,suitable for husbandry.However,parasitic diseases become an obstacle for goat industry development.In the research,based on parasite damages,epidemic variety and characters,some prevention measures were proposed,as follows：improving goat raising and management,rotation grazing,reinforcement of disinfection and quarantine,and regular parasite expelling,providing references for goat farming in Xiangxi.

Compounds from African Medicinal Plants with Activities Against Selected Parasitic Diseases:Schistosomiasis,Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis

Parasitic diseases continue to represent a threat on a global scale,particularly among the poorest countries in the world.This is particularly because of the absence of vaccines,and in some cases,resistance against available drugs,currently being used for their treatment.In this review emphasis is laid on natural products and scaffolds from African medicinal plants(AMPs)for lead drug discovery and possible further development of drugs for the treatment of parasitic diseases.In the discussion,emphasis has been laid on alkaloids,terpenoids,quinones,flavonoids and narrower compound classes of compounds with micromolar range activities against Schistosoma,Trypanosoma and Leishmania species.In each subparagraph,emphasis is laid on the compound subclasses with most promising in vitro and/or in vivo activities of plant extracts and isolated compounds.Suggestions for future drug development from African medicinal plants have also been provided.This review covering 167 references,including 82 compounds,provides information published within two decades(1997-2017).

Effect of the parasitic isopod,Catoessa boscii(Isopoda,Cymothoidae),a buccal cavity parasite of the marine fish,Carangoides malabaricus

Objective:To examine the effect of isopod parasite Catoessa boscii(C.boscii)on Carangoides malabaricus(C.malabaricus).Methods:The host fish C.malabaricus infested by C.boscii were collected directly from the trawlers landed at Parangipettai coast during December 2008 to November2009.Data regarding the total length,width,weight and sex of the host fish were recorded.Effect of infestation on C.malabaricus,the length and weight data were analysed and host specificity of isopods was also examined.Results:During the sampling period,585 C.malabaricus were examined.Among them,218 specimens were found to carry 243 parasites.Three pairs of isopods(one male with one female)were recorded from the host fish and each pair was attached to the tongue in the buccal cavity of the host.Another pair was also found where the male and male,female and female isopod had settled on the tongue in the buccal cavity.Gross lesions observed in the buccal cavity of infested fish showed small pin-holes in the tongue region,through which dactyls of pereopod's penetrating claws dig into the host tissues.The maximum weight loss was reported in females(5.43%)than in males(3.75%)of C.malabaricus.Due to infestation of different isopod parasites in both male and female fish,the effects on the length-weight relationship of C.malabaricus were compared.The rate of increased growth in weight in uninfested female fish was found to be higher than that of the infested.The weight gain is faster in uninfested fish than in the infested fish.Conclusions:From the above mentioned observations,it is clear that the worst of fish on account of the infestation of isopods are the C.malabaricus succumbed to the attack of isopod parasites.Although,the infestation did not cause immediate death,it had affected the normal growth of the host fish.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Analytic Calculation-Part Ⅰ: Differential Leakage, Attenuation, Asynchronous Parasitic Torques

The magnetic field generated in the air gap of the cage asynchronous machine and the harmonics of the magnetomotive forces creating that magnetic field, as well as the related differential leakage, attenuation, asynchronous parasitic torques have been discussed in great detail in the literature, but always separately, for a long time. However, systematization of the phenomenon still awaits. Therefore, it is worth summarizing the completeness of the phenomena in a single study – with a new approach at the same time-in order to reveal the relationships between them. The role of rotor slot number is emphasized much more than before. An existing, commonly used, but still impractical basic figure has been modified to more clearly demonstrate the response of the rotor for the harmonics of the stator. The need to treat differential leakage, asynchronous parasitic torques and attenuation together will be demonstrated: new formula for asynchronous parasitic torque is derived;the long-used characteristic curves for differential leakage and attenuation used separately so far was merged into one, correct curve in order to provide a correct design guide for the engineers.

Foodborne parasitic diseases in China:A scoping review on current situation,epidemiological trends,prevention and control

Objective:Foodborne parasitic diseases,although with a declining overall incidence rate,are still endangering local public safety.This review aims to describe the current situation and epidemiological trends of foodborne parasitic diseases in China in order to explore possible reasons contributors to its high prevalence in some areas,and propose strategies for prevention and control accordingly.Methods:A scoping review was conducted by searching Pub Med,CNKI,Wanfang,CQVIP,Embase,and the Cochrane Library using search formula"foodborne parasitic diseases(or foodborne parasites)"AND"China".Studies on foodborne parasitic diseases in China were considered,but only articles in English or Chinese published between January 1980 and June 2020 were retrieved.Included studies were screened according to the eligibility criteria:1)diseases consistent with the WHO definition of foodborne parasitic diseases;2)the food carriers were included in the WHO food classification;3)data related to epidemiology,pathogenicity,and prevention and control;4)Foodborne parasitic diseases cases or outbreaks in China.Results:A total of 111 out of 665 records were included and summarized.The prevalence of clonorchiasis,angiostrongyliasis,echinococcosis,trichinellosis and cysticercosis was still increasing although the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes has substantially decreased in recent years.Diverse eating habits,close contact with animals,and urbanization were contributing factors to the increase.Conclusions:Foodborne parasitic diseases remain an important public health issue in China with the progress of economic globalization and food diversification.We should manage to raise public awareness about the prevention and control of foodborne parasitic diseases,improve health and safety inspections,as well as public health practice.

Cadmium(Cd)exposure through Hyphantria cunea pupae reduces the parasitic fitness of Chouioia cunea:A potential risk to its biocontrol efficiency

Heavy metal contamination has been regarded as an environmental variable that affects the efficiency of pest biological control,but the parasitic fitness of parasitoids under heavy metal stress is poorly understood.Herein,the effect of Cd exposure through the host pupa of Hyphantria cunea on the parasitic fitness of Chouioia cunea was investigated,and the mechanism by which Cd exposure affects the interaction between H.cunea and C.cunea from the perspective of innate immunity in host insect and the oxidative status in the parasitoid offspring was explored.Our results indicated that Cd can be transferred from the H.cunea pupae to the parasitoid offspring,and the transfer coefficient reflected biological amplification.There were no significant differences in the rates of parasitism success and offspring emergence between the untreated and Cd-treated groups.However,after parasitizing Cd-accumulated pupae,the parasitic fitness of offspring wasps(e.g.,the number,individual size and life span)decreased significantly.Under Cd exposure,the cellular and humoral immunity of H.cunea pupae decreased significantly.Compared with the untreated group,the H_(2)O_(2)content of parasitoid offspring in the Cd-treated group was significantly increased.Cd exposure significantly inhibited superoxide dismutase activity in parasitoid offspring,but the contents of ascorbic acid and glutathione were significantly increased by Cd stress.Taken together,these results indicate that Cd exposure reduces the cyclic utilization efficiency of C.cunea on H.cunea pupae.The oxidative status of parasitoid offspring triggered by Cd exposure could be responsible for the reduced parasitic fitness of C.cunea on Cd-accumulated H.cunea pupae.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Attending Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Several studies have shown that sickle cell disease (SCD) is made worse by infections;it was necessary to carry out this study to ascertain the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections to the number of SCD patients infected compared to Non-SCD patients, the impact of the infections on Pack cell volume (PCV) of the SCD patients in Nigeria populace. A total of 140 stool samples were collected from both SCD patients and Non-SCD patients. 3 ml of venous blood, seventy samples in total were collected from the SCD patients only. The blood and stool samples were collected from September 2005 to November 2005;structured questionnaire was administered to each of the patient that gave consent to be part of the study alongside with questionnaire interview. The stool samples were analysed macroscopically and microscopically using saline, iodine and formal-ether concentration technique. The blood samples were analysed by micro-heamatocrit method. The findings showed that a total of six parasites were identified among the SCD patients and a total of thirteen parasites were identified among Non-SCD patients. Although the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was low among the research participates, the identified parasites fell into the 4 major categories of intestinal parasites, an indication that SCD patients can be susceptible to any of the intestinal worms/protozoa. Despite a low prevalence of intestinal parasites among the studied individual at the time of this study, it is however, necessary for regular laboratory investigations for intestinal worm/protozoa since they are still a public health problem.

Effects of Parasitic Diseases on the Cardiovascular System

The parasitic disease can significantly affect the cardiovascular system through various mechanisms;even though it is traditionally regarded as a disease characterized by parasitic sites’ mechanical damage and some immune responses. Recent studies have shown that the role of parasitic factors in the cause of death due to cardiovascular events cannot be ignored. Considering the worldwide prevalence of parasitic diseases, exploring the effects of parasitic diseases on the cardiovascular system becomes increasingly essential. Here we summarize the latest understanding of common parasitic infections, explore the possible mechanisms of cardiovascular responses to parasitic infections, and propose feasible strategies for preventing and treating parasite-induced cardiac reactions.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor,Analytic Calculation Part Ⅱ:Synchronous Parasitic Torques,Radial Magnetic Forces

The magnetic field generated in the air gap of the cage asynchronous machine and the harmonics of the magnetomotive forces creating that magnetic field,as well as the synchronous parasitic torques,radial magnetic forces have been discussed in great detail in the literature,but always separately,for a long time.However,systematization of the phenomenon still awaits.Therefore,it is worth summarizing the completeness of the phenomena in a single study–with a new approach at the same time-in order to reveal the relationships between them.The role of rotor slot number is emphasized much more than before.New formulas derived for both synchronous torques and radial magnetic forces are used for further investigation.It will be shown that both phenomena in subject must be treated together.Formulas will be provided to take into account attenuation.Design guide will be provided to avoid dangerous rotor slot numbers.It will be shown that the generation of synchronous torques and radial magnetic forces do not depend–in this new approach-on the slot combination,but on the rotor slot number itself.

INSTITUTE OF PARASITIC DISEASES CHINESE ACADEMY OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

The Institute of Parasitic Diseases was set up in 1950 in Nanjing and moved to the current location of Shanghai in 1957. Its precursor was the Huadong Branch of the National Institute of Health. It has around 350 staff and 8 departments, namely, Department of Epidemiology; Department of Parasite Biology; Department of Vector Biology and Control; Department of Diagnosis and Immunology; Department of Biochemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Department of

Host-parasite interactions in perpetual darkness:Macroparasite diversity in the cavefish Astyanax mexicanus

Astyanax mexicanus has repeatedly colonized cave environments,displaying evolutionary parallelisms in many troglobitic traits.Despite being a model system for the study of adaptation to life in perpetual darkness,the parasites that infect cavefish are practically unknown.In this study,we investigated the macroparasite communities in 18 cavefish populations from independent lineages and compared them with the parasite diversity found in their sister surface fish populations,with the aim of better understanding the role that parasites play in the colonization of new environments.Within the cavefish populations,we identified 13 parasite taxa,including a subset of 10 of the 27 parasite taxa known for the surface populations.Parasites infecting the cavefish belong to five taxonomic groups,including trematodes,monogeneans,nematodes,copepods,and acari.Monogeneans are the most dominant group,found in 14 caves.The macroparasites include species with direct life cycles and trophic transmission,including invasive species.Surprisingly,paired comparisons indicate higher parasite richness in the cavefish than in the surface fish.Spatial variation in parasite composition across the caves suggests historical and geographical contingencies in the host-parasite colonization process and potential evolution of local adaptations.This base-line data on parasite diversity in cavefish populations of A.mexicanus provides a foundation to explore the role of divergent parasite infections under contrasting ecological pressures(cave vs.surface environments)in the evolution of cave adaptive traits.

MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONTROL OF PARASITIC DISEASES

The parasitic pest is omnipresent in the world providing there are biological communities existing. Almost everywhere on the earth,human health is constantly threatened by some parasites to a greater or lesser degree.In the same way,domestic animals and economic plants have always fallen prey to the scourge.leading to yield reductions.As parasitic diseases are chronic in progress,people often neglect them until they become fatal.China is a country with vast territory and diversity in the

A novel method to collect sperm from brood parasitic cuckoos:Urodeum stimulation(UroS)method

Sperm competition has been studied in numerous species as a representative example of postcopulatory sexual selection,where sampling sperm from male is the most basic and important step.Sperm collection can be tricky in birds,however,because unlike mammals,the genitals of birds are generally latent in the cloacal region and their characteristics vary among species.Various methods to collect sperm from different birds have been tested,such as cloacal massage,feces collection,and electro-stimulation,but their applicability varies depending on species.In this study,we introduced the urodeum stimulation method(UroS method)to collect sperm from Cuculus cuckoos,such as the Common Cuckoo(C.canorus).These species are expected to have interesting patterns of pair bonding and sperm competition because of their unique breeding strategy called brood parasitism;however,it remains unexplored.In this study,we described the application of our new method to expel semen from male common cuckoos,measured the volume of semen collected,checked the presence of sperm in the semen sample,and finally estimated its success rate among 82 males.Samples were successfully collected from 76 cuckoos(approximately 93%)and the colors and volumes of the samples were very diverse.Sperm was present in 43 of these samples(57%),showing a sperm observation rate approximately twice as high as that of the conventional cloacal massage method.We believe that this novel method will contribute to a better understanding of postcopulatory sexual selection in avian brood parasites and facilitate the process of sperm collection and artificial insemination in other medium-sized birds.

盐生肉苁蓉寄主植物种类鉴定及分布区域分析

盐生肉苁蓉(Cistanche salsa(C.A.Mey.)G.Beck)为列当科肉苁蓉属寄生性草本植物,为目前已知寄主植物种类最多的肉苁蓉属物种,也是我国西北地区传统常用中药材。为探明我国盐生肉苁蓉寄主植物种类及分布区域,本研究结合DNA条形码鉴定和形态鉴别技术,对采集到的66份带有寄主根的盐生肉苁蓉样品进行分布区域分析和寄主植物种类鉴定。结果表明盐生肉苁蓉在新疆及宁夏等地区海拔400~2000 m的区域分布广泛。新疆塔城地区裕民县盐生肉苁蓉寄主植物为菊科绢蒿属聚头绢蒿(Seriphidium compactum(Fisch.ex DC.)Poljakov)和苋科滨藜属疣苞滨藜(Atriplex verrucifera Marsch.von Bieb.),塔城市盐生肉苁蓉寄主植物为苋科盐爪爪属里海盐爪爪(Kalidium cuspidatum Ung.-Sternb.)、疣苞滨藜和驼绒藜属驼绒藜(Krascheninnikovia ceratoides(L.)Gueldenst.),该地区优势寄主植物为疣苞滨藜。新疆阿勒泰地区哈巴河县寄主植物为聚头绢蒿、苋科驼绒藜属心叶驼绒藜(Krascheninnikovia ewersmanniana(Stschegl.ex Losinsk.)Grubov)和驼绒藜,吉木乃县寄主植物为驼绒藜和聚头绢蒿。新疆哈密地区伊吾县寄主植物为苋科戈壁藜属戈壁藜(Iljinia regelii(Bunge)Korovin),巴里坤县寄主植物为里海盐爪爪。新疆昌吉州吉木萨尔县寄主植物为苋科碱蓬属囊果碱蓬(Suaeda physophora Pall.)。宁夏吴忠市盐池县寄主植物为苋科盐爪爪属细枝盐爪爪(Kalidium gracile Fenzl)和合头草属合头草(Sympegma regelii Bunge),合头草为该地区优势寄主植物。其中聚头绢蒿是我国新记录的盐生肉苁蓉寄主植物。本研究为盐生肉苁蓉及其寄主植物保护和优良品种选育提供科学依据。