Distribution Of Cysts Research Articles

Palynology of the Middle Jurassic strata from the Alborz Ranges, northwestern Iran

Palynomorphs are used for palynostratigraphy, and to derive paleoecological and paleobiogeographical inferences from the Middle Jurassic Shemshak Formation, Alborz Ranges, northwestern Iran. The rock unit contains diverse, reasonably preserved palynofloras dominated by miospores and dinoflagellate cysts. Vertical distribution of miospores allows for the introduction of Klukisporites variegatus -Striatella spp.- Contignisporites burgeri assemblage zone in the host strata. The presence of such key miospore species as Striatella jurassica, S. patenii, S. seebergensis, and Contignisporites burgeri indicates a Middle Jurassic (late Bajocian–Bathonian) age. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of dinoflagellate cysts, encountered Cribroperidinium crispum Total Range Biozone (late Bajocian); Dichadogonyaulax sellwoodii Interval Biozone (Bathonian–early Callovian), and Subzone “a” of the D. sellwoodii Zone (early–middle Bathonian) are identified. Miospores dominating the examined assemblages are assigned, in ascending order of abundance, to Pterophyta, Coniferophyta, Pteridospermophyta, Lycophyta, Ginkgophyta, Cycadophyta, and Sphenophyta. Such parental vegetation apparently flourished under a wet, warm-to-warm-temperate climate. The co-occurrence of such index warm-moderate water dinoflagellate cysts as Pareodinia halosa, Ctenidodinium continuum, and Pareodinia ceratophora supports this overview. The assemblages though contain both Eurasian and Gondwanan elements but bear closer similarity to those from the former, thus suggesting paleoproximity to the northeastern margin of the Neotethys Ocean during the Middle Jurassic.

Distribution of Miocene dinoflagellate cysts in the paralic basins of Tunisia: Paleogeographic and paleoecological reconstruction and eustatic movements

Distribution of Miocene dinoflagellate cysts in the paralic basins of Tunisia: Paleogeographic and paleoecological reconstruction and eustatic movements

Association of Supraspinatus Tear Type and Localisation Between Humeral Head Bone Cyst

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively explore the association between different types and locations of supraspinatus tendon tears and the presence of humeral head bone cysts. Specifically, the study seeks to investigate how the location and grade of supraspinatus tears, as classified by the Elmann system, correlate with the occurrence, size, and distribution of humeral cysts. Additionally, the study examines the relationship between tear dimensions (measured anteroposteriorly), the presence of joint and subacromial fluid, and the anatomical localization of the tears (footprint, critical zone, musculotendinous junction, or both). By evaluating a large cohort of shoulder MRI scans, this research aims to provide deeper insights into the clinical and diagnostic implications of supraspinatus tear characteristics in relation to cyst formation in the humeral head. Material and Methods: 350 shoulder MRIs taken in our radiology department between June 2023 and December 2023 were retrospectively evaluated by two different radiologists. The total number of patients included in the study is 290. MRI examinations were performed with a dedicated shoulder coil on a 1.5 T system MRI in the supine position of patients as the arm lying beside the body in neutral rotation. Supraspinatus tears were evaluated according to location as footprint, critical zone, both footprint and critical zone and musculotendinous junction location. Supraspinatus tear diameters were measured anteroposteriorly on sagittal images. The tear diameters were measured and their grades were determined according to the Elmann classification Results: A significant relationship was found between the location of the supraspinatus tear and the presence of a humeral cyst (P<0.05). A significant relationship was found between the type of supraspinatus tear and the presence of cysts on the humeral head (P:0.04). There is a significant relationship between the type and diameter of the tear and the presence of joint fluid. There is a significant relationship between the tear location and subacromial fluid (P: 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between supraspinatus tear types, particularly tear location, and the presence of humeral head cysts. The findings highlight that specific tear localizations, such as those in the critical zone and musculotendinous junction, exhibit a stronger correlation with cyst formation. Although no significant relationship was observed between tear diameter and cyst presence, the results underscore the importance of assessing tear characteristics to better understand cyst formation mechanisms in the humeral head. These insights may improve diagnostic accuracy and inform treatment decisions in patients with rotator cuff pathologies.

The Accuracy of Arterial Phase of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Cervical Stromal Invasion in Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma

Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. Cervical stromal invasion in patients with endometrial carcinoma is associated with local recurrence and overall survival, making accurate preoperative evaluation essential. Currently, the delayed phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is recommended for diagnosing cervical stromal invasion. However, this approach is time-consuming, and diagnostic interpretations can vary across observers and institutions. Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of arterial-phase and delayed-phase DCE-MRI for detecting cervical stromal invasion in endometrial carcinoma. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively collected data from 445 patients with endometrial cancer. Two radiologists jointly evaluated cervical stromal invasion using histopathology as the gold standard reference. The McNemar test was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of cervical stromal invasion detection between the arterial and delayed phases of DCE-MRI. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of tumor location and cervical lesions on diagnostic accuracy for cervical stromal invasion using DCE-MRI. Results: The mean age of the study population was 53.5 years [standard deviation (SD) = 3.1]. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging images of the cervix demonstrated distinct enhancement characteristics. For detecting cervical stromal invasion, arterial-phase DCE-MRI showed a sensitivity of 66.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 60.0 - 74.6%] and a specificity of 87.9% (95% CI: 83.9 - 91.0%). In the delayed phase, sensitivity was 69.1% (95% CI: 60.0 - 77.1%) and specificity was 88.2% (95% CI: 84.3 - 91.2%). There was no statistically significant difference between the arterial and delayed phases (P = 1.00). Factors influencing the assessment of cervical stromal invasion included the cluster distribution of Nabothian cysts and lesions located in the lower uterine segment or the internal os (P = 0.01, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The arterial phase of DCE-MRI is a feasible, time-saving, and effective approach for detecting cervical stromal invasion in endometrial carcinoma.

Resting Cysts of the Toxic Dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum (Dinophyceae) Ubiquitously Distribute along the Entire Coast of China, with Higher Abundance in Bloom-Prone Areas

Blooms of Gymnodinium catenatum have occurred occasionally in different areas of China and caused tremendous economic loss and even threatened human health. Not only is G. catenatum an important harmful-algal-bloom (HAB)-causing species, but also the only gymnodinioid dinoflagellate known to produce paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSTs). Due to the germination of resting cysts, which often initiates blooms, the distribution and abundance of cysts in sediments and particularly the confirmation of cyst beds are important information for understanding and predicting dinoflagellate blooms. In this research, 199 sediment samples were collected from China’s coastal seas, ranging from the Beidaihe in the Bohai Sea (BS) to the southernmost sample from the Nansha Islands of the South China Sea (SCS). TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays with species-specific primers and probes were developed to specifically detect the distribution and abundance of cysts in the 199 samples. The detection revealed that G. catenatum cysts were widely present in the sediments (126 of the 199 samples), with 93.55%, 74.65%, 42.37%, and 50% of the samples detected positively from the BS, YS, ECS and SCS, respectively, and covering the vast sea area from Nansha Islands to the Beidaihe area. The single-cyst morpho-molecular identification in the samples from Beidaihe confirmed the existence of G. catenatum cysts in the BS, and the positive detections of G. catenatum cysts using the qPCR methods. While G. catenatum cysts were widely distributed in all four seas of China, the average abundance was relatively low (1.0 cyst per gram of wet sediment). Three samples from the East China Sea (ECS), however, contained G. catenatum cysts at a relatively higher level (23 cysts g−1 wet sediment) than other sea areas, suggesting a pertinence of cyst abundance to the frequent occurrences of G. catenatum blooms in the area during recent years. Collectively, for G. catenatum being such an important toxic and HAB-causing species globally, the ubiquitous distribution of its cysts along the coastal waters of China and higher abundance in the bloom-prone areas warns us of a risk that cyst beds, although currently low in abundance, may seed HABs in any and many sea areas of China at any forthcoming year, and particularly those areas with records of frequent HABs outbreaks in the past.

Geographic distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in surface sediments of the Arabian Sea: significance of taxa and morphometry as potential ecological indicators.

Studies on dinoflagellate cysts in the Arabian Sea (AS) are limited to the coastal waters, but no information from the deeper depths. The dinoflagellate cyst assemblages in surface sediment samples (0-2cm) from the deeper depths (up to ~ 4500m) of central (oxygen minimum zone (OMZ)) and southeastern (oligotrophic) AS revealed that the relatively good numbers of cyst concentrations reach deeper depths of OMZ (3505m) and oligotrophic (4368m) regions, but the former harbored more cyst concentrations than the latter. The cyst concentration and species count (including HAB species) recorded here are lower compared to the eastern (EAS) and western (WAS) AS, but the autotrophic cyst dominance (74-83%) at deeper depths is in contrast with the heterotrophic dominance in coastal AS. Of the recorded 41 cyst species (belonging to 18 genera), four species (cyst of Cladopyxis sp., Operculodinium janduchenei, Stelladinium bifurcatum, and Protoperidinium monospinum) from the deepest part of oligotrophic AS form the first report. In contrast, Spiniferites and Lingulodinium cysts were common occurrences. Taxonomic comparison with literature revealed (i) the prevalence of more cosmopolitan species (32 species) which could be due to the prevalence of large and small-scale lateral transport of cysts in oligotrophic regions followed by OMZ and coastal regions, respectively, and (ii) very few region-specific species, i.e., cyst of Protoperidinium latissimum, Lejeunecysta sabrina, cyst of Protoperidinium denticulatum in EAS and Impagidinium patulum, and I. strialatum, in WAS. Interestingly, variability in the morphometry was evident between the coastal and open oceans in some cosmopolitan cysts, e.g., Operculodinium centrocarpum and Lingulodinium machaerophorum. These findings from the less studied pelagic regions will contribute to the growing knowledge of dinoflagellate cyst distribution patterns and highlight the significance of cyst taxa and morphology as potential ecological indicators for AS.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir.

Hydatidosis, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, affect cattle by forming hydatid cyst in thier lungs, livers and pose great financial loss in animal production and country's economy by both direct and indirect effect. Despite its great economic and health importance, there is an absence of current information on cystic echinococcosis in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir in Ethiopia. Current investigation determines the prevalence, organ distribution and fertility of hydatid cysts in cattle slaughtered at the Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February, 2023, to October, 2023, at Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir in southern Ethiopia, through regular meat examinations and cyst characterisation to determine the prevalence, organ distribution and fertility of hydatid cysts. The overall prevalence of hydatidosis recorede in current study was 17.9% (69/384) and has shown a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the body condition of cattle. However, there was no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) between the prevalence of hydatidosis and other risk factors such as sex, breed, production system and origin of animals. This study showed that the lungs and liver were the most affected organs in cattle, followed by the spleen and kidneys. On cyst characterisation, the majority of hydatid cysts were found sterile (55.4%) followed by fertile (38.8%) and calcified (8.7%) cysts. Out of 125 fertile hydatid cysts tested for survival, 18.8% (58/321) were viable and 20% (67/321) were nonviable. The finding of this study shows that cystic echinococcus was important health threat of the cattle and widespread in the internal organs of affected cattle causingsignificant economic loss by condemning edible organs that are not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, urgent and integreted preventive action is needed to disrupt the life cycle of cystic echinococcosis to tackle subsequent financial loss and risk of zoonosis to humans in the study area.

First insights into the distribution and diversity of toxic dinoflagellate cysts in the surface sediments of Dakhla Bay (African Atlantic coast): relationships with environmental factors and mollusk intoxication events.

Dakhla Bay, situated on the African Atlantic coast, has witnessed sporadic harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by toxic dinoflagellate species over the past two decades. In this study, we investigated the distribution, abundance, and diversity of dinoflagellate cysts, with a focus on potentially toxic species that develop in this ecosystem where such data are lacking. Sediment samples were collected in April 2018 through coring at 49 stations distributed across the bay. The highest abundance of dinoflagellate cysts was recorded at 304 cysts/g dry sediment, observed at the inner part of the bay, indicating that this area is the preferential zone for cyst accumulation. Pearson's tests revealed significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) between cyst abundance and the water content, organic matter, and fine fraction (< 63μm) of the sediment. Cyst morphotypes of potentially toxic dinoflagellate species known to produce saxitoxins, such as Alexandrium minutum, Alexandrium tamarense species complex, Gymnodinium catenatum, and yessotoxins, such as Lingulodinium polyedrum and Gonyaulax cf. spinifera, were identified in the sediment of Dakhla Bay. These findings were further supported by our long-term monitoring period (2005-2018), underscoring the presence of these HAB species in Dakhla Bay. During our survey, sporadic mollusk intoxication events were recorded at station PK25 for the grooved razor shell Solen marginatus and at station Boutelha for the oyster Crassostrea gigas. Paralytic shellfish toxin concentrations exceeded the sanitary threshold (80μg STX di-HCl eq/100g of shellfish meat) only twice, in December 2006 and January 2007 at station PK25. Contamination by amnesic shellfish toxins occurred sporadically but never reached the sanitary threshold of 20µg/g of shellfish meat. Lipophilic shellfish intoxication occurred multiple times in the two investigated areas. These observations suggest that the cysts of the identified HAB species germinated and inoculated the water column, resulting in the observed intoxication events. Relatively low levels of intoxication could be attributed to the moderate abundances of cysts, which may reduce the seeding capacity. This could be explained by the significant interaction of Dakhla Bay with the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by hydrological dynamics that impede the deposition and accumulation of cysts in the bay's sediments. This study reaffirms the importance of investigating dinoflagellate cysts in assessing the diversity of HAB species and evaluating associated sanitary risks.

Microfauna, Palynomorphs, and Biostratigraphy of the Upper Bajocian Strenoceras niortense Zone (Middle Jurassic) of the Kuban River Basin, Northern Caucasus

The results of the study of microfossils of the Strenoceras niortense Zone of the Upper Bajocian of Karachay-Cherkessian Republic are presented. The zone is represented mainly by dark gray silty-sandy clays, with nodules scattered in the stratum, often forming interbeds, and belongs to the lower part of the upper subformation of the Djangura Formation. The systematic composition and distribution of foraminifera, ostracods, dinoflagellate cysts, and myospores in the section have been established. The volume of biostratigraphic subdivisions for foraminifera, ostracods, and dinocysts has been specified; they were compared with the ammonite scale. According to benthic foraminifers, these are beds with Ophthalmidium caucasicum, comparable with the entire Niortense Zone and most of the Garantiana Zone. The beds with Globuligerina dagestanica established by planktonic foraminifera are compared with the entire studied interval from the Niortense zone to the Lower Bathonian, inclusive. In the middle-upper part of the Niortense Zone (Rostovtsevi and Baculatum Subzones), beds with ostracods Palaeocytheridea (Malzevia) subtilis were established for the first time. Beds with dinocysts Carpathodinium predae, Rhynchodiniopsis? regalis, Meiourogonyaulax valensii are understood within the volume of the Niortense and Garantiana Zones and the lower part of the Parkinsoni zone, inclusive. Images of characteristic taxa of microfauna and dinocysts are given.

Environmental factors influencing the abundance and spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in Izmir Bay (Eastern Mediterranean)

Environmental factors influencing the abundance and spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in Izmir Bay (Eastern Mediterranean)

Prevalence, Characteristics and Distribution of Odontogenic Cysts amongst the Indian Subpopulation of Southern Rajasthan: A 5-year Retrospective Study of 218 Cysts.

Odontogenic cysts (OCs) arise from the odontogenic epithelium and occur in the tooth-bearing regions of the jaws. Proliferation and/or degeneration of this epithelium lead to OC development. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, distribution and clinicopathological features of OCs and compare with other studies. Records of OCs were retrieved, and patient's data, aetiology, clinical features, histopathological distribution, treatment, complications and recurrence were studied. A total of 218 OCs were studied in 200 patients. The mean age of patients was 35.74 years. The overall sex ratio (male: female) was 1.22:1. Second, third and fourth decades of life were commonly affected. The majority of the patients (85%) reported with a complaint of pain (with or without swelling). Radicular cyst was the most prevalent type (49.55%). The most common site involved was the anterior maxilla (41.75%). Dental complications such as displacement, mobility, discoloration and root resorption were diagnosed in 91 cysts (41.75%). Bony complications such as expansion and perforation were present in 136 cysts (62.38%). Dentition was non-vital in 61.46% of cysts. The most common treatment method performed was combination surgery (enucleation with or without endodontic treatment/extraction and apicoectomy). Recurrence rate was 3.20%. The prevalence, characteristics and distribution features of OCs in India are similar to those of studies conducted in other parts of the world. There is a broad spectrum of OCs, with some cysts having a propensity for certain age, gender and site, whereas a few cysts have distinct properties to recur and have aggressive and invasive behaviour.

Three-dimensional evaluation of dentigerous cysts in the Turkish subpopulation

BackgroundTo investigate the radiological and demographic features, types, distribution, and treatment methods of dentigerous cysts (DC).MethodsPanoramic radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of patients diagnosed with DC based on biopsy results between January 2020 and December 2023 were examined. In patients from different age groups, the numbers, types and locations, and radiological features of DCs, associated changes in surrounding tissues, and treatment methods used were reviewed.ResultsAmong 95 patients with DC (66 males, 29 females), sex and age distributions were comparable between those with a single cyst (n = 86) and those with two cysts (n = 9). Of 104 DCs, 44 were central, 38 were lateral, and 22 were circumferential. DC types were not significantly affected by sex, age group, or anatomical location. Circumferential DCs often caused displacement of the mandibular canal inferiorly. While enucleation was preferred for the treatment of central DCs, circumferential DCs were treated with marsupialization.ConclusionsIn this study, which is the first to evaluate the DC types on CBCT images, the central type was the most common. Circumferential DCs were mostly treated with marsupialization. CBCT imaging can assist in determining DC types, and may provide guidance for treatment planning.

Transport and preservation of calcareous and organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts off Cape Blanc (NW africa) in relation to nepheloid layers

Our understanding of dinoflagellates' present-day and past ecology is limited due to the scarcity of data on the transport of dinoflagellate cysts in oceanic environments. Previous studies have shown that lateral transport affects the source-to-sink trajectory of cysts in the very productive region off Cape Blanc (NW Africa). Unsolved questions remain, such as: how far these cysts can be advected, whether the cyst sources vary over time and whether lateral transport is a permanent feature or restricted to individual events. To fill these gaps and assess the role of nepheloid layers on the lateral transport and preservation of dinoflagellate cysts, new data on dinoflagellate cyst distributions in the water column and sediments along a land-sea transect were obtained.Samples were collected in November 2018 along a shelf break-offshore transect during intense upwelling, notably, within and between the nepheloid layers. The composition and abundance of cysts with organic walls in the water column and surface sediments were studied. Moreover, the distribution of calcareous cysts was also analysed in the water samples, using non-destructive acid-free preparation methods. The records were dominated by empty cysts, but no clear indications that these originated from local resuspension of older sediments were observed. Clustering, principal component analysis and redundant discriminant analysis were used to compare cyst assemblages in the water column and surface sediments, and environmental conditions in the upper water column. The strong similarity in species composition of water samples collected in the active upwelling region to those collected from the more onshore parts of the Benthic Nepheloid Layer (BNL), upper Intermediate Nepheloid Layer (INL) (∼1000 m depth) and lower INL (∼2200 m depth) indicated that lateral transport of cysts within these NLs occurred until about ∼110 km from the shelf break. Cyst assemblages from above and below these NLs showed significantly different taxa composition reinforcing the role of NLs in the lateral advection of cysts. In the more offshore stations, vertically similar cyst assemblages were observed in the same station, independent of the sample depth, within or between the NLs, which supported that at these stations vertical transport was the dominant process influencing cyst assemblages. Consequently, the cyst signal in sediments off Cape Blanc may be affected both by horizontal transport of allochthonous cysts and vertical deposition of locally-produced cysts, particularly in the more offshore stations (>2000 m depth). Despite lateral transport and possible species-specific preservation effects, horizontal distributions of most cyst taxa in the water column and the surface sediments could be explained to a great extent by the main environmental gradients in the upper water column. This agrees with observations made in other regions, and reinforces that dinoflagellate cysts as good proxies to reconstruct past environmental conditions in offshore environments. New data on dinoflagellate cyst distribution, transport and accumulation patterns in deep environments off Cape Blanc may be useful for interpreting past environmental signals in the region. This is particularly relevant regarding calcareous cysts, as information on their distribution and ecology is very scarce. The present work contributes to a better understanding of the dispersal patterns of dinoflagellate cysts in the deep ocean, highlighting the significant role played by nepheloid layers in this process and thus on the dinoflagellate cyst signature in deep-sea sediments.

Spatial distribution models and biodiversity of phytoplankton cysts in the Black Sea

The current study employed diverse statistical and machine learning techniques to investigate the biodiversity and spatial distribution of phytoplankton cysts in the Black Sea. The MaxEnt distribution modeling technique was used to forecast the habitat suitability for the cysts of three potentially toxic microalgal taxa (Lingulodinium polyedra, Polykrikos hartmannii, and Alexandrium spp.). The key variables controlling the habitat suitability of Alexandrium spp. and L. polyedra were nitrates and temperature, while for the P. hartmannii cysts, nitrates and salinity. The region with the highest likelihood of L. polyedra cyst occurrence appears to be in the western coastal and shelf waters, which coincides with the areas where L. polyedra red tides have been documented. The projected habitat suitability of the examined species partially overlapped, perhaps as a result of their cohabitation within the phytoplankton community and shared preferences for specific environmental conditions, demonstrating similar survival strategies. The north-western region of the Black Sea was found to be the most suitable environment for the studied potentially toxic species, presumably posing a greater risk for the onset of blooming events. Two distinct aspects of cysts’ ecology and settlement were observed: the dispersal of cysts concerns their movement within the water column from one place to another prior to settling, while habitat suitability pertains to the particular environment required for their survival, growth, and germination. Therefore, it is crucial to validate the model in order to accurately determine a suitable habitat as well as understand the transportation patterns linked to the particular hydrodynamic properties of the water column and the distinct features of the local environment.

Echinococcus granulosus in human and cattle: an epidemiology and economic losses of condemned organs

The study was conducted between 2016 and 2019, on epidemiology of E. granulosus infection (cystic echinococcosis) in humans and cattle and it`s economics’ losses on condemned organs at Dhamar city. In human, a retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the records of patients hospitalized in government and private hospitals, out of 323 records reviewed, 46 (14.24. %) cases were found positive. The higher infection rate of Echinococcosis granulosus infection was recorded in liver (13.93%); whereas, the lower in lung (0.31%). The infection was more among female patients (8.05%) compared to male (6.19%) and age group of 30-35 years old (5.88%). The higher prevalence rates recorded were 9.91%,2.17%, 6.5% and 9.29% in rural, month of January, Dhamar General Hospital Authority(DGHA) and Ultrasound technique respectively. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed between the infection rate and age and diagnostic techniques used; whereas none with other factors investigated. In animals, using prospective study. Out of the 323 cattle examined by postmortem inspection and serodiagnosis tests, 40 (12.38%) were found positive for E. granulosus infection. The distribution of different cysts in different organs were 4.64%, 4.04% and 3.72 in liver, lungs and mixed infection respectively. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed in distribution of hydatid cysts in different organs of animal. Fertility and viability tests revealed that, 63(44.68%) were fertile, 64 (45.39%) sterile, and 14(9.93%) calcified cysts. There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in fertility of cysts of different organs (P&lt;0.05). The cysts of lung origin were highly fertile. The higher prevalence rates were recorded in age groups of 5 ≥ years old (16%), Females (9.29%), Month of January (1.55%) and Post mortem examination (8.98%). Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed between prevalence rate of infection and all variables investigated with exception sex variable. The total economic losses due to organ condemnation and meat production in cattle slaughtered at Dhamar municipal abattoir is estimated as 2727387.52 YR ($ US 7.312.03). In conclusion, E. granulosus infection is prevalent in study areas and represent an important health problem for human and cattle, which requires appropriate strategies for its control.

Comparison of Direct and Indirect Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Ovine Using Real-Time PCR, Serological and Histological Techniques.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic pathogen and the ingestion of tissue cysts by consumption of lamb or mutton has been identified as a possible cause of infection in humans. Many serological surveys in sheep have been performed, showing relevant serological rates; however, while the detection of antibodies indicates an exposure to T. gondii, this does not necessarily imply the presence of tissue cysts in edible tissue. The current study aims to provide further understanding on the occurrence of T. gondii in sheep muscles and the strength of correlation between serological positivity and presence of the parasite in sheep. From 349 sheep, samples (i.e., blood, heart and diaphragm) were collected and subjected to ELISA tests, real-time PCR and histological tests. Despite the high seroprevalence, T. gondii DNA was detected in the heart and/or the diaphragm from 13 out of the 349 tested sheep (3.7%); all were adults (13/191). Furthermore, the histological tests did not reveal the presence of T. gondii tissue cysts in any of the examined portions of interventricular septum. It should be considered that the likelihood of detecting genetic material of the parasite is probably influenced by the uneven distribution of the tissue cysts in the carcass as well as the methodology applied. The findings of this study support the importance of describing the uncertainty associated with the data used for risk assessment to reduce inaccurate estimation or risk overestimation.

Exploring the underwater life in transitional environments: Benthic foraminifera, ostracods, and dinoflagellate cysts – Biotic trends and EcoQS assessment in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian sea, southern Italy)

Coastal areas have historically thrived as centers of human activities due to their resources, economic opportunities, and natural allure. The rapid growth of coastal populations has however brought forth a multitude of challenges to tackle, with pollution emerging as a significant and far-reaching issue. Our study focuses on the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy), a lagoon-like coastal basin (separated in two sub-basins) that, since decades, has been heavily affected by human activities and aquaculture, leading to environmental deterioration. Although past studies have looked at environmental conditions in the Mar Piccolo from a chemical perspective, the biological component (e.g., biological indicators) has been mostly neglected. In this study, we firstly aim to examine the distribution and diversity of foraminifera, ostracods, and dinoflagellate cysts in December 2016 and compare our findings with data collected in December 2011. Foraminiferal and ostracod communities exhibit similar patterns in the two sampling campaigns, while the communities of encysted dinoflagellates show differences concerning both densities and diversity. Then, we evaluate the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) using ecological indices. While the indices in the inner basin appear to reflect an actual ecological degradation, they yield conflicting results in the outer basin. In the outer basin, indeed, the indices overestimate the EcoQS. This study highlights the potential of these indices for characterizing the EcoQS but emphasizes the need for improvements in their reliability. This research also contributes to a more holistic understanding of environmental condition in the Mar Piccolo and underscores the importance of integrating biological quality elements into ecosystem management and remediation strategies.

The utility of freshwater dinoflagellate cyst assemblages as a paleoecological proxy: An assessment from boreal lakes (northwest Ontario, Canada)

The utility of freshwater dinoflagellate cyst assemblages as a paleoecological proxy: An assessment from boreal lakes (northwest Ontario, Canada)

Dinoflagellate Cyst Assemblage, Abundance and Distribution in Three Estuaries in Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Dinoflagellate Cyst Assemblage, Abundance and Distribution in Three Estuaries in Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Investigating Characteristics of Hydatid Cyst Patients Referred to Health Centers in Kerman City, Iran

Objectives: Hydatid cysts are one of the most critical parasitic infections common to humans and animals and affect the health of communities. This study investigates the frequency distribution of hydatid cysts based on clinical and individual characteristics of patients referred to health centers in Kerman City, Iran, from 2011 to 2020. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information was obtained from the medical records of 115 patients with hydatid cysts who were referred to hospitals and health centers during the years 2011-2020. Public and private clinics in Kerman City, Iran, were selected, and information on demography, and clinical and diagnostic approaches of patients were collected. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 22. Results: A total of 115 with a mean age of 20.31±0.89 years were included in the study. The highest number of patients was identified in 2013. More than half of the patients (53%) were female and the rest were male (47%). The age group of 20 to 40 years showed the highest rate of involvement (45.2%) while the age group of 60 to 80 years showed the lowest rate of involvement (1.3%). The majority of patients (76.5%) lived in the city and more than a quarter of patients had a history of contact with dogs (26.1%). Nausea (91.3%), chest pain and cough (46.1%), abdominal pain, and an enlarged liver (29.6%), were the most common clinical symptoms, and lungs (56.5%) and liver (31.3%) were the most involved organs in individuals. The disease was diagnosed by radiology and surgery in less than half of the patients (46.9%). Most patients (80%) received surgical and drug treatment together and the duration of treatment in less than half of them (45.2%) was two months. Discussion: The occurrence of hydatid cysts in Kerman City, Iran, especially in young people, is significant and the mean age of patients in Kerman City, similar to studies in some parts of the country, is very low, emphasizing the crucialness of being attentive to the disease and highlights the need for further research. Also, educating and informing families about the disease and its means of transmission along with controlling stray dogs can be beneficial in breaking the transmission chain.