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tick infestation in birds and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from different places in germany.the importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens for human and animal health has been increasing over the past decades. for their transportation and dissemination, birds may play a more important role than wingless hosts. in this study, tick infestation of birds in germany was examined. eight hundred ninety-two captured birds were infested with ticks and belonged to 48 different species, of which blackbirds (turdus merula) and song thrushes (turdus philomelos) were most strongly infested. ground ...201627048511
seasonal and urban effects on the endocrinology of a wild passerine.in order to maximize their fitness, organisms in seasonal environments rely on external cues to optimally time their life-history stages. one of the most important zeitgeber to time reproduction is the photoperiod, but further environmental cues are assessed to fine-tune reproduction due to year-to-year variation in environmental conditions. however, in urbanized environments, the pervasive artificial light at night has altered the natural signal of light and darkness. accordingly, artificial li ...201527069618
egg rejection in blackbirds turdus merula: a by-product of conspecific parasitism or successful resistance against interspecific brood parasites?traditional theory assumes that egg recognition and rejection abilities arise as a response against interspecific brood parasitism (ibp). however, rejection also appears in some species that are currently not exploited by interspecific parasites, such as turdus thrushes. recent evidences suggest that rejection abilities evolved in these species as a response to conspecific brood parasitism (cbp). to test these two alternative hypotheses, we performed an experimental study by parasitizing nests o ...201627073406
molecular assessment of bacterial vaginosis by lactobacillus abundance and species diversity.to date, women are most often diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (bv) using microscopy based nugent scoring or amsel criteria. however, the accuracy is less than optimal. the aim of the present study was to confirm the identity of known bv-associated composition profiles and evaluate indicators for bv using three molecular methods.201627107961
corticosterone levels in relation to trace element contamination along an urbanization gradient in the common blackbird (turdus merula).in a rapidly urbanizing world, trace element pollution may represent a threat to human health and wildlife, and it is therefore crucial to assess both exposition levels and associated effects of trace element contamination on urban vertebrates. in this study, we investigated the impact of urbanization on trace element contamination and stress physiology in a wild bird species, the common blackbird (turdus merula), along an urbanization gradient (from rural to moderately urbanized areas). specifi ...201627213675
kuznetsovia, a new generic replacement name for aenigma kuznetsova, 1957 (ostracoda) non newman, 1836 (coleoptera).the generic name aenigma was proposed by kuznetsova (1957: 68; type species a. jucunda kuznetsova, by original designation) for a new fossil ostracod genus from the lower cretaceous (barremian) of tegchaj, north-eastern azerbaijan, former ussr (transcaucasia). however, this name is already preoccupied by a marine gastropod molluscan generic name aenigma newman (1836: 499), which is in active current use in zoology (coleoptera: carabidae). besides this earliest generic name, a few homonyms were a ...201627395148
utilization of molecular methods to identify prognostic markers for recurrent bacterial vaginosis.recurrent bacterial vaginosis (bv) after antimicrobial therapy is a major problem, affecting >50% of patients within 1 year. the objective of this study was to determine if prospective identification of patients at risk for recurrence using molecular methods is feasible.201627431434
new replacement name kuznetsoviella (ostracoda): a correction.recently it was found (doweld 2016) that the generic name aenigma kuznetsova (1957: 68; type species a. jucunda kuznetsova, by original designation) of fossil ostracoda from the lower cretaceous (barremian) of tegchaj, north-eastern azerbaijan, former ussr (transcaucasia), is already preoccupied by a marine gastropod molluscan generic name aenigma newman (1836: 499), which is in active current use in zoology (coleoptera: carabidae), along with a few other known homonyms, aenigma amsel (1956: 288 ...201627470720
dietary flavonoids advance timing of moult but do not affect redox status of juvenile blackbirds (turdus merula).flavonoids are the most abundant plant polyphenols, widely occurring in fruits and berries, and show a strong antioxidant activity in vitro studies of avian species feeding on berries suggest that dietary flavonoids have health-promoting effects and may enhance the expression of melanin-based plumage traits. these effects are probably mediated by the antioxidant activity of flavonoids. however, the effect of dietary flavonoids on oxidative status has never been investigated in any bird species. ...201627473434
[bacterial vaginosis].bacterial vaginosis (bv) is the main cause of vaginal dysbacteriosis in the women during the reproductive age. it is an entity in which many studies have focused for years and which is still open for discussion topics. this is due to the diversity of microorganisms that cause it and therefore, its difficult treatment. bacterial vaginosis is probably the result of vaginal colonization by complex bacterial communities, many of them non-cultivable and with interdependent metabolism where anaerobic ...201627474242
[polyhexamethylene biguanid hydrochloride (biguanelle) therapy of bacterial vaginosis].the aim of our study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of local therapy with polyhexamethylene biguanid hydrochloride (biguanelle) in women with anaerobic vaginal infection.201627509662
evidence for an independent third usutu virus introduction into germany.usutu virus (usuv) is an arbovirus within the genus flavivirus, which was first introduced to southern europe approximately twenty years ago causing epizootics among wild and captive birds. in germany usuv was initially discovered in wild birds, mainly common blackbirds (turdus merula), in the upper rhine valley in southwest of the country in 2011 and has not spread much northwards since. phylogenetic analyses revealed that the still ongoing usuv epidemic is caused by two different usuv strains, ...201627527765
revised taxonomic status of eidophasia zukowskyi amsel, 1938 (lepidoptera, plutellidae) with first description of its male and female genitalia.we revise the taxonomic status of eidophasia zukowskyi amsel, 1938, and we provide the first descriptions of the genitalia of both sexes. a diagnostic summary is given with illustrations for a similar congener, eidophasia syenitella (herrich-schäffer, [1854]).201627615964
long-term study of the prevalence of borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection in ticks (ixodes ricinus) feeding on blackbirds (turdus merula) in ne poland.seeking evidence to confirm that blackbirds (turdus merula) may be involved in environmental maintenance of borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (the causative agent of lyme borreliosis), we conducted a long-term study over three separate 2-year periods, together embracing a span of almost 20 years, all in the same area in northeastern poland. we examined a total of 78 blackbirds and collected 623 ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on them. the tick infestation prevalence was found to be very high (89.7 %). amon ...201627631764
association between bacterial vaginosis and partner concurrency: a longitudinal study.the study aimed to test if there was an association between prevalent bacterial vaginosis (bv) and women reporting that their partner had other partners at the same time (partner concurrency). this association has not been assessed in a longitudinal cohort.201627645157
abrupt switch to migratory night flight in a wild migratory songbird.every year, billions of wild diurnal songbirds migrate at night. to do so, they shift their daily rhythm from diurnality to nocturnality. in captivity this is observed as a gradual transition of daytime activity developing into nocturnal activity, but how wild birds prepare their daily rhythms for migration remains largely unknown. using an automated radio-telemetry system, we compared activity patterns of free-living migrant and resident european blackbirds (turdus merula) in a partially migrat ...201627666200
evaluation and subsequent optimizations of the quantitative amplisens florocenosis/bacterial vaginosis-frt multiplex real-time pcr assay for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.traditional microscopy-based methods for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (bv) are underutilized in many settings, and molecular techniques may provide opportunities for rapid, objective, and accurate bv diagnosis. this study evaluated the quantitative amplisens florocenosis/bacterial vaginosis-frt multiplex real-time pcr (florocenosis-bv) assay. vaginal samples from a previous study including unselected female subjects (n = 163) and using amsel criteria and 454 pyrosequencing for bv diagnosis w ...201627714844
comparison between the efficacy of metronidazole vaginal gel and berberis vulgaris (berberis vulgaris) combined with metronidazole gel alone in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.bacterial vaginosis is one of the most prevalent complications among reproductive-aged women. antibacterial and antifungal effects of berberis vulgaris have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.201627757195
[bacterial vaginosis and spontaneous preterm birth].to determine if bacterial vaginosis is a marker for risk of spontaneous preterm delivery and if its detection and treatment can reduce this risk.201627793493
physiology of hibernating larvae of the pistachio twig borer, kermania pistaciella amsel (lepidoptera: tineidae), collected from akbari cultivar of pistacia vera l.the pistachio twig borer, kermania pistaciella amsel (lepidoptera: tineidae), a key pest of pistachio trees, is a monovoltine pest living inside the feeding tunnel of pistachio twigs for almost 10 months in a year and overwinters there as last instar larvae. in this study, we measured some physiological parameters of overwintering field collected larvae of the pest. there were no changes in trehalose, glucose, and myo-inositol contents, but there were differences in the levels of total simple su ...201727830538
correlates of bacterial vaginosis over long-term follow-up: impact of hiv infection.correlates of bacterial vaginosis (bv) are poorly understood, especially in hiv infection. in a cohort study, hiv-seropositive and comparison seronegative women were assessed every 6 months during 1994-2015. bv was considered present when three of four amsel criteria were met. behavioral characteristics were assessed using structured interviews. multivariable logistic regression used generalized estimating equation models to determine factors associated with bv. cumulative incidence of bv over t ...201727841674
dual emergence of usutu virus in common blackbirds, eastern france, 2015. 027869608
bioenergy and biodiversity: intensified biomass extraction from hedges impairs habitat conditions for birds.biomass is increasingly used as an alternative source for energy in europe. woody material cut from hedges is considered to provide a suitable complement to maize and oilseed rape, which are currently the dominant biomass sources. since shrubs and trees are also important habitats for birds, however, coppicing of hedges at the landscape scale may adversely affect the diversity of the avifauna. to evaluate this risk, we estimated the response of hedge birds to three management scenarios differing ...201727915181
widespread usutu virus outbreak in birds in the netherlands, 2016.we report a widespread usutu virus outbreak in birds in the netherlands. viral presence had been detected through targeted surveillance as early as april 2016 and increased mortality in common blackbirds and captive great grey owls was noticed from august 2016 onwards. usutu virus infection was confirmed by post-mortem examination and rt-pcr. extensive usutu virus activity in the netherlands in 2016 underlines the need to monitor mosquito activity and mosquito-borne infections in 2017 and beyond ...027918257
a preclinical animal study of a novel, simple, and secure percutaneous vessel occluder for the treatment of varicose veins.secure, permanent occlusion of the great and small saphenous veins, their tributaries, and perforators is critical for the successful treatment of varicose veins. current minimally invasive methods replacing surgery are all endoluminal and involve heat (radiofrequency or laser), chemicals (sclerosants and glues), or a combination of mechanical and chemical interventions. this study evaluated in a porcine model the performance of a percutaneous delivery of the amsel vessel occluder (avo; amsel me ...201727987599
a novel secure transfixing blood vessel occluder: comparison with the hemoclip in the porcine model.secure vessel occlusion is critical to the success of all surgical and interventional procedures. the purpose of this study was to compare in vivo the use of the amsel vessel occluder (avo), a novel occlusion clip device for secure blood vessel closure, with one of the many commercially available hemoclips, the ligaclip, in the porcine model.201728032562
multi-state, multi-stage modeling of nest-success suggests interaction between weather and land-use.many factors may affect daily nest survival. we present a novel multi-state, multi-stage model to estimate daily survival for each nest stage, daily hatching probability and probability that a failed nest died during a specific stage when stage of failure is unknown. the model does not require that hatching date be known. we used data from a large citizen science dataset to demonstrate the application of this approach, exploring the impact of laying dates, weather conditions, conserved soil mois ...201728052398
inefficient co-feeding transmission of borrelia afzelii in two common european songbirds.the spirochete bacterium borrelia afzelii is the most common cause of lyme borreliosis in europe. this tick-borne pathogen can establish systemic infections in rodents but not in birds. however, several field studies have recovered larval ixodes ricinus ticks infected with b. afzelii from songbirds suggesting successful transmission of b. afzelii. we reviewed the literature to determine which songbird species were the most frequent carriers of b. afzelii-infected i. ricinus larvae and nymphs. we ...201728054584
relationships between egg-recognition and egg-ejection in a grasp-ejector species.brood parasitism frequently leads to a total loss of host fitness, which selects for the evolution of defensive traits in host species. experimental studies have demonstrated that recognition and rejection of the parasite egg is the most common and efficient defence used by host species. egg-recognition experiments have advanced our knowledge of the evolutionary and coevolutionary implications of egg recognition and rejection. however, our understanding of the proximate mechanisms underlying bot ...201728170402
gardnerella vaginalis population dynamics in bacterial vaginosis.bacterial vaginosis (bv) is the leading cause of vaginal discharge and is associated with the facultative gram-variable bacterium gardnerella vaginalis, whose population structure consists of four clades. our goal was to determine if these clades differ with regard to abundance during bv. we performed a short-term longitudinal study of bv. patients were evaluated according to the amsel criteria and nugent scoring at initial diagnosis, immediately after treatment and at a 40- to 45-day follow-up ...201728197729
oxidative challenges of avian migration: a comparative field study on a partial migrant.most avian migrants alternate flight bouts, characterized by high metabolic rates, with stopovers, periods of fuel replenishment through hyperphagia. high-energy metabolism and excessive calorie intake shift the balance between damaging prooxidants and antioxidants toward the former. hence, migration likely affects the oxidative balance of birds. migratory flight indeed appears to cause oxidative damage; however, whether migration affects the oxidative state of birds at stopover is unclear. ther ...201728277962
influences of population size and woodland area on bird species distributions in small woods.distributions of individual bird species in 151 small woods (size range 0.02-30 ha) were investigated in 3 consecutive years during which the abundance of certain species varied markedly. relationships between the probabilities of certain bird species breeding and woodland area were described using incidence functions derived from logistic regression analysis. in general, for species which were largely dependent on woodland and seldom occurred in other habitats (such as hedgerows and gardens), t ...199628307128
animal tracking meets migration genomics: transcriptomic analysis of a partially migratory bird species.seasonal migration is a widespread phenomenon, which is found in many different lineages of animals. this spectacular behaviour allows animals to avoid seasonally adverse environmental conditions to exploit more favourable habitats. migration has been intensively studied in birds, which display astonishing variation in migration strategies, thus providing a powerful system for studying the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape migratory behaviour. despite intensive research, the genet ...201728316119
effects of metronidazole combined probiotics over metronidazole alone for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.to evaluate the curative effect of metronidazole combined probiotics over metronidazole alone in the treatment of bv.201728386675
prevalence and distribution of gardnerella vaginalis subgroups in women with and without bacterial vaginosis.bacterial vaginosis (bv) is one of the leading causes of vaginal complaints among women of childbearing age. the role of gardnerella vaginalis remains controversial due to its presence in healthy and bv-type vaginal microflora. the phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity of g. vaginalis suggested the existence of strain variants linked with different health conditions. we sought to analyze prevalence and distribution of g. vaginalis subgroups (clades) in bv-positive (n = 29), partial bv (n = 27), ...201728583109
cervical carcinogenesis, bacterial vaginosis, hpv-mrna test and relapse of cin2+ after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (leep).the aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (bv) and relapse of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more (cin2+) after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (leep).201728617533
how weather instead of urbanity measures affects song trait variability in three european passerine bird species.previous studies detected an influence of urban characteristics on song traits in passerine birds, that is, song adjustments to ambient noise in urban areas. several studies already described the effect of weather conditions on the behavior of birds, but not the effect on song traits. we investigate, if song trait variability changes along a continuous urbanity gradient in frankfurt am main, germany. we examined, for the first time on a larger scale, the influence of weather on song parameters. ...201728690815
use of a real-time pcr to explore the intensity of plasmodium spp. infections in native, endemic and introduced new zealand birds.avian malaria, caused by plasmodium spp., is an emerging disease in new zealand (nz). to detect plasmodium spp. infection and quantify parasite load in nz birds, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (pcr) (qpcr) protocol was used and compared with a nested pcr (npcr) assay. a total of 202 blood samples from 14 bird species with known npcr results were tested. the qpcr prevalences for introduced, native and endemic species groups were 70, 11 and 21%, respectively, with a sensitivity and specific ...201728691648
secnidazole treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial.to evaluate secnidazole as a single oral dose treatment for bacterial vaginosis in a phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.201728697102
singing from north to south: latitudinal variation in timing of dawn singing under natural and artificial light conditions.1. animals breeding at northern latitudes experience drastic changes in daily light conditions during the breeding season with decreasing periods of darkness, whereas those living at lower latitudes are exposed to naturally dark nights throughout the year. nowadays, many animals are also exposed to artificial night lighting (often referred to as light pollution). 2. animals strongly rely on variation in light levels to time their daily and seasonal behaviour. previous work on passerine birds sho ...201728796893
outbreak and cocirculation of three different usutu virus strains in eastern germany.usutu virus (usuv) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus accounting for large-scale deaths in resident bird populations. in this study, we show the introduction of usuv to eastern germany resulting in massive death of birds, particularly blackbirds (turdus merula). we found that three diverse usuv lineages ("europe 3," "africa 2," and "africa 3-like") circulated simultaneously. moreover, we detected usuv in culex pipiens in a region where no dead birds were reported, strengthening the need for mosquito ...201728816628
bacterial biota of women with bacterial vaginosis treated with lactoferrin: an open prospective randomized trial.background: bacterial vaginosis is the most frequent condition associated to the vaginal microbiota imbalance, affecting about the 40-50% of women in the world. even if antibiotics are effcetive for bacterial vaginosis treatment a long-term recurrence rates, higher than 70%, is recorded. lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein with bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. it owns the ability to protect the host against infection, by binding and regulating the iron needed for the bacterial ...201728959181
the effect of prebiotic vaginal gel with adjuvant oral metronidazole tablets on treatment and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: a triple-blind randomized controlled study.bacterial vaginosis is a change in the normal vaginal bacterial flora that leads to loss of hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli and overgrowth of predominantly anaerobic bacteria. the present study was conducted to compare the effects of prebiotic vaginal gel with oral metronidazole tablet and metronidazole tablet alone on treatment and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.201828983665
normative ratings for perceptual and motor attributes of 750 object concepts in spanish.subjective ratings of perceptual and motor attributes were obtained for a set of 750 concrete concepts in spanish by requiring scale-based judgments from a sample of university students (n = 539). following on the work of amsel, urbach, and kutas (2012), the seven attributes were color, motion, sound, smell, taste, graspability, and pain. normative data based on the obtained ratings are provided as a tool for future investigations. additionally, the relationships of these attributes to other lex ...201829052168
effect of a yoghurt drink containing lactobacillus strains on bacterial vaginosis in women - a double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical pilot trial.bacterial vaginosis (bv) is characterised by a depletion of lactobacilli in favour of an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. it is associated with increased risk for urogenital infections and abortion. in this study we assessed the effect of a yoghurt drink containing lactobacillus strains on bv. the strains had been isolated from healthy pregnant women and selected for acidification capacity, production of h2o2, glycogen utilisation, bile salt tolerance and inhibition of pathogens. using amsel cr ...201829065710
distribution of usutu virus in germany and its effect on breeding bird populations.usutu virus (usuv) is an emerging mosquitoborne flavivirus with an increasing number of reports from several countries in europe, where usuv infection has caused high avian mortality rates. however, 20 years after the first observed outbreak of usuv in europe, there is still no reliable assessment of the large-scale impact of usuv outbreaks on bird populations. in this study, we identified the areas suitable for usuv circulation in germany and analyzed the effects of usuv on breeding bird popula ...201729148399
migration confers winter survival benefits in a partially migratory songbird.to evolve and to be maintained, seasonal migration, despite its risks, has to yield fitness benefits compared with year-round residency. empirical data supporting this prediction have remained elusive in the bird literature. to test fitness related benefits of migration, we studied a partial migratory population of european blackbirds (turdus merula) over 7 years. using a combination of capture-mark-recapture and radio telemetry, we compared survival probabilities between migrants and residents ...201729157357
efficacy and safety of vaginally administered lyophilized lactobacillus crispatus ip 174178 in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis recurrence.bacterial vaginosis (bv) is a recurrent disease in women despite treatment by antibiotics. this study investigated the impact of a vaginal probiotic, lactobacillus crispatus ip174178* (lc), on the rate of recurrence and time to recurrence.201829196153
redox imbalance correlates with high nugent score in bacterial vaginosis.the main goal of this work was to highlight the significance of redox imbalance in the pathophysiology of bacterial vaginosis (bv). we studied the pro-oxidant (malondialdehyde) and antioxidants (glutathione, total antioxidant capacity) in the vaginal fluids of women and compared them on the basis of their nugent score (ns).201829239072
characterization of a de novo assembled transcriptome of the common blackbird (turdus merula).in recent years, next generation high throughput sequencing technologies have proven to be useful tools for investigations concerning the genomics or transcriptomics also of non-model species. consequently, ornithologists have adopted these technologies and the respective bioinformatics tools to survey the genomes and transcriptomes of a few avian non-model species. the common blackbird is one of the most common bird species living in european cities, which has successfully colonized urban areas ...201729255646
combined oral and topical antimicrobial therapy for male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis: acceptability, tolerability and impact on the genital microbiota of couples - a pilot study.recurrence following recommended treatment for bacterial vaginosis is unacceptably high. while the pathogenesis of recurrence is not well understood, recent evidence indicates re-infection from sexual partners is likely to play a role. the aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and tolerability of topical and oral antimicrobial therapy in male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis (bv), and to investigate the impact of dual-partner treatment on the vaginal and penile microbiota.201829293559
[diagnosis of vaginal discharge].changes in vaginal discharge are often caused by imbalance in the vaginal microflora, and laboratory testing is usually of little use, as most microbes detected are commensals. in-office diagnosis in general practice using wet mount microscopy and amsel criteria is helpful and often sufficient to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment. laboratory testing of vaginal discharge should only be performed, if sexually transmitted disease is suspected, if there is treatment failure or inconclusive wet ...201829336298
a preclinical animal study of a novel, simple, and secure duct and vessel occluder for laparoscopic surgery.secure occlusion of large blood vessels and ductal structures is critical to all surgeries and remains a challenge in many minimally invasive procedures. this study compares in vivo use of the amsel occluder (ao) for secure laparoscopic blood vessel and duct closure, with one of the many commercially available hemoclips (ligaclip®), in the porcine model.201829340822
cues, corticosterone and departure decisions in a partial migrant.most migrating birds make multiple stopovers to fuel and/or rest. the decision to resume migration from stopover is based on various cues, such as time within the season and wind conditions. there are hints that the strength of these departure cues shapes corticosterone level, which in its turn appears to regulate the timing of departure. we here provide results that very strongly indicate that indeed departure cues jointly shape corticosterone level of migrants at stopover. we compared corticos ...201829397064
the effect of calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.bacterial vaginosis (bv) is a common disorder among women of reproductive age. this study aimed to compare the effect of a calendula officinalis extract-based cream and metronidazole on bv among women of reproductive age. in this study, 80 women of reproductive age with bv were randomly assigned to the c. officinalis (n = 40) or metronidazole (n = 40). diagnosis of bv was confirmed when at least 3 of the 4 amsel criteria were met (ph >4.5, whitish grey or thin homogeneous discharge, release of a ...202029441319
complete coding sequence of a novel picorna-like virus in a blackbird infected with usutu virus.using random high-throughput rna sequencing, the complete coding sequence of a novel picorna-like virus (a 9,228-nt contig containing 212,202 reads) was determined from a blackbird (turdus merula) infected with usutu virus. this sequence shares only 36% amino acid sequence identity with its closest homolog, arivirus 1, (an unclassified member of the order picornavirales), and shares its dicistronic genome arrangement. the new virus was therefore tentatively named "blackbird arilivirus" (ari-like ...201829442227
experimental infection by microparasites affects the oxidative balance in their avian reservoir host the blackbird turdus merula.by draining resources, microparasites can negatively affect the host fitness, which in turn can result in reduced transmission when virulence leads to reductions in host population size. therefore, for a microparasite to persist in nature, the level of harm it can do to its host is expected to be limited. we tested this hypothesis for tick-borne borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) infections in the blackbird turdus merula, one of the most important avian reservoir hosts in europe. experimenta ...201829478884
a hidden cost of migration? innate immune function versus antioxidant defense.migration is energetically demanding and physiologically challenging. migrating birds, for example, need to boost their antioxidant defenses to defeat the pro-oxidants produced during high energetic activity. the enhanced antioxidant defense possibly withdraws limited resources (e.g., energy or micronutrients) from other physiological functions, such as immune defense. such a trade-off might not occur outside the migration seasons or in resident individuals. here, we investigate whether there is ...201829531689
use of copper intrauterine device is not associated with higher bacterial vaginosis prevalence in thai hiv-positive women.the study assessed and compared bacterial vaginosis (bv) prevalence in thai women in reproductive age in four study groups - group 1, hiv-positive with copper intrauterine device (cu-iud); group 2, hiv-positive without cu-iud; group 3, hiv-negative with cu-iud; and group 4, hiv-negative without cu-iud. we conducted a cross-sectional study. bv prevalence was assessed by nugent score and amsel criteria. descriptive statistics was used to present baseline characteristics; kwallis rank test - to com ...201829548268
urban blackbirds have shorter telomeres.urbanization, one of the most extreme human-induced environmental changes, represents a major challenge for many organisms. anthropogenic habitats can have opposing effects on different fitness components, for example, by decreasing starvation risk but also health status. assessment of the net fitness effect of anthropogenic habitats is therefore difficult. telomere length is associated with phenotypic quality and mortality rate in many species, and the rate of telomere shortening is considered ...201829563283
the stimulation of the vaginal immune system with short-term administration of a vaginal gel containing fraction of propionibacterium acnes, hyaluronic acid and polycarbophil is efficacious in vaginal infections dependent on disorders in the vaginal ecosystem.the vaginal immune system (vis) is the first defense against antigens recognized as foreign. substances capable of locally activating the vis could be a valid strategy to treat vulvo-vaginal infections (vvi), caused by changes in the vaginal ecosystem, such as bacterial vaginosis (bv), vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (ca), and mixed vaginitis (mv). bacterial lysates, obtained by crushing bacterial cultures, exert immuno-modulatory activities. the parietal fraction from propionibacterium acnes is a pat ...201829648469
nest predation risk modifies nestlings' immune function depending on the level of threat.predation risk is thought to modify the physiology of prey mainly through the stress response. however, little is known about its potential effects on the immunity of animals, particularly in young individuals, despite the importance of overcoming wounding and pathogen aggression following a predator attack. we investigated the effect of four progressive levels of nest predation risk on several components of the immune system in common blackbird (turdus merula) nestlings by presenting them with ...201829666198
vaginitis: diagnosis and treatment.vaginitis is defined as any condition with symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, irritation, itching, or burning. the most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. bacterial vaginosis is implicated in 40% to 50% of cases when a cause is identified, with vulvovaginal candidiasis accounting for 20% to 25% and trichomoniasis for 15% to 20% of cases. noninfectious causes, including atrophic, irritant, allergic, and inflammatory vaginit ...201829671516
identification of key bacteria involved in the induction of incident bacterial vaginosis: a prospective study.the sequence of events preceding incident bacterial vaginosis (ibv) is unclear.201829718358
prevalence of avian metapneumovirus subtype b in live bird market in gilan province, iran.avian metapneumovirus (ampv), also known as avian pneumovirus or turkey rhinotracheitis virus, is the causative agent of turkey rhinotracheitis and swollen head syndrome in chickens. four ampv subgroups (a-d) have been reported previously based on their genetic and antigenic differences. evidence suggests that the live bird markets (lbms) play an important role in the epidemiology of the avian viral diseases. a total number of 450 oropharyngeal samples from eight different species of birds (migr ...201829719670
usutu virus epizootic and plasmodium coinfection in eurasian blackbirds ( turdus merula) in flanders, belgium.at the end of the summer of 2016, unusually high levels of mortality were detected in passeriformes and strigiformes in flanders, belgium, mainly in eurasian blackbirds ( turdus merula). a passive surveillance program demonstrated a widespread usutu virus outbreak and revealed a coinfection with plasmodium in 99% of the dead passerine birds that were necropsied.201829889004
multicenter study establishing the clinical validity of a nucleic-acid amplification-based assay for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.the present study sought to validate the clinical performance of a previously described pcr-based assay for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (bv). a total of 1579 patients were enrolled in 5 locations; samples were classified as bv positive (n=538) or negative (n=1,041) based on an algorithm utilizing quantitative gram-stain analysis of vaginal discharge and clinical evaluation (amsel criteria); a next-generation sequencing (ngs) approach to determining diversity of vaginal microbiota was us ...201829937222
ghrelin, corticosterone and the resumption of migration from stopover, an automated telemetry study.the spectacular natural phenomenon of avian migration is evidently shaped by physical factors, but we know little about the underlying physiological regulation. this contrast is especially apparent for the process of departure on a migratory flight. the decision to resume migration is shaped by a suite of departure cues from innate rhythms, and intrinsic and extrinsic factors. it currently appears that these departure cues are translated into actual departure by the hormone corticosterone, but o ...201829958878
assessment of vector competence of uk mosquitoes for usutu virus of african origin.usutu virus (usuv) is an emerging zoonotic virus originally from sub-saharan africa. it has been introduced into europe on multiple occasions, causing substantial mortality within the eurasian blackbird (turdus merula) population. it is transmitted by the mosquito species culex pipiens in europe and africa. vector competence studies indicate that european strains of usuv are readily transmitted by indigenous cx. pipiens. however, there is limited information on the ability of an african strain t ...201829970149
two new species of brusqeulia razowski & becker, 2000 from the neotropics, with comments on the systematic position of the genus in relation to the apolychrosis amsel, 1962 group of genera (lepidoptera, tortricidae, cochylini).two new species of the neotropical genus brusqeulia razowski & becker, 2000, are described and illustrated: b. yunkensis pérez santa-rita & baixeras, sp. n. from bolivia and b. araguensis pérez sant-rita & baixeras, sp. n. from venezuela. the systematic position and diagnostic characters of the genus are reviewed, resulting in the synonymy of pinhaisania razowski & becker, 2000, with brusqeulia, and the combination b. crispula (razowski & becker, 2000), comb. n. new characters of the female geni ...201830002594
effect of vaginal suppository on bacterial vaginitis based on persian medicine (iranian traditional medicine): a randomised double blind clinical study.this trial was conducted on 127 women aged 18-50 years with bacterial vaginosis to compare the vaginal suppository of metronidazole with forzejeh, a vaginal suppository of herbal persian medicine combination of tribulus terrestris, myrtus commuis, foeniculum vulgare and tamarindus indica. the patients (63 in metronidazole group and 64 in forzejeh group) received the medications for 1 week. their symptoms including the amount and odour of discharge and cervical pain were assessed using a question ...201830084707
infrared thermography provides insight into the thermal properties of bird nests.thermal properties of nests have been investigated using a variety of techniques. infrared (ir) thermography has the advantage of being a non-invasive technique allowing the integrity of the nest wall to be retained during measurement. this study investigated the insulative properties of nests of the eurasian bullfinch (pyrrhula pyrrhula), the common blackbird (turdus merula) and the song thrush (turdus philomelos) using ir thermography. nests were inverted over a heat source and the temperature ...201830143304
high susceptibility of the laboratory-reared biting midges culicoides nubeculosus to haemoproteus infections, with review on culicoides species that transmit avian haemoproteids.haemosporidian parasites belonging to haemoproteus cause avian diseases, however, vectors remain unidentified for the majority of described species. we used the laboratory-reared biting midges culicoides nubeculosus to determine if the sporogonic development of three widespread haemoproteus parasites completes in this insect. the midges were reared and fed on one common blackbird, white wagtail and thrush nightingale naturally infected with haemoproteus minutus, haemoproteus motacillae and haemo ...201930176948
taxonomic study of the genus evergestis hübner, 1825 (lepidoptera: crambidae: glaphyriinae) in iran with description of a new species.the iranian species of the genus evergestis were reviewed taxonomically and as a result, evergestis pazukii sp. n. is described as a new species, e. comealis amsel stat. n. is raised to species level from the subspecies e. caesialis comealis, and four species, namely e. flavifuscalis rebel, e. limbata (linnaeus), e. pechi (bethune-baker), and e. serratalis staudinger are newly reported from iran. furthermore, the females of evergestis africalis (guenée), and e. nomadalis (lederer), and the male ...201830313551
evaluating the risk for usutu virus circulation in europe: comparison of environmental niche models and epidemiological models.usutu virus (usuv) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, reported in many countries of africa and europe, with an increasing spatial distribution and host range. recent outbreaks leading to regional declines of european common blackbird (turdus merula) populations and a rising number of human cases emphasize the need for increased awareness and spatial risk assessment.201830314528
comparing the effect of sucrose gel and metronidazole gel in treatment of clinical symptoms of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial.lactobacilli, as normal vaginal flora, have a central role in controlling body environment and preventing the growth of pathogens. sucrose, by promoting the growth of lactobacilli, accelerates the suppression of pathogenic bacteria. the aim of this research was to compare the effects of sucrose gel with those of metronidazole gel in treating women with bacterial vaginosis (bv).201830367673
revision of the genus megacraspedus zeller, 1839, a challenging taxonomic tightrope of species delimitation (lepidoptera, gelechiidae).the taxonomy of the palearctic genus megacraspedus zeller, 1839 (lepidoptera, gelechiidae) is revised, based on external morphology, genitalia and dna barcodes. an integrative taxonomic approach supports the existence of 85 species which are arranged in 24 species groups (disputed taxa from other faunal regions are discussed). morphology of all species is described and figured in detail. for 35 species both sexes are described; for 46 species only the male sex is reported, in one species the mal ...201830532621
west nile virus epizootic in germany, 2018.the summer of 2018 in germany was the second hottest and driest on record. these generally extremely favorable climatic conditions most likely triggered the further expansion and the efficient propagation of the zoonotic arthropod-borne west nile virus in many southern/southeastern and even central european countries. wnv infections were detected for the first time in resident wild and aviary birds, such as common blackbirds, northern goshawks and great grey owls in eastern and southeastern germ ...201930550796
vaginal microbiome variances in sample groups categorized by clinical criteria of bacterial vaginosis.one of the most common and recurrent vaginal infections is bacterial vaginosis (bv). the diagnosis is based on changes to the "normal" vaginal microbiome; however, the normal microbiome appears to differ according to reproductive status and ethnicity, and even among individuals within these groups. the amsel criteria and nugent score test are widely used for diagnosing bv; however, these tests are based on different criteria, and so may indicate distinct changes in the vaginal microbial communit ...201830598080
different competence as a lyme borreliosis causative agent reservoir found in two thrush species: the blackbird (turdus merula) and the song thrush (turdus philomelos).passerine birds are significantly involved in the dissemination of borreliella spp. bacteria (formerly borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex), the causative agent of most common and important tick-spread disease lyme borreliosis. among several dozen investigated passerine bird species, thrushes (turdidae) have been reported as a relatively good pathogen reservoirs and disseminators. the principal aim of the study was to identify the differences in borreliella spp. reservoir competence between ...201930615582
haemoproteus minutus is highly virulent for australasian and south american parrots.haemoproteus and plasmodium species are widespread avian blood parasites. several plasmodium species are known for their high virulence and have caused significant declines in naïve bird populations. the impact of closely related haemoproteus parasites is largely unknown. recently we reported a lethal disease in two parrot aviaries caused by haemoproteus parasites.201930654841
targeted surveillance reveals native and invasive mosquito species infected with usutu virus.the emergence of usutu virus (usuv) in europe was first reported in austria, 2001, and the virus has since spread to many european countries. initial outbreaks are marked by a mass die-off of european blackbirds (turdus merula) and other bird species. during outbreaks, the virus has been detected in pools of culex pipiens mosquitoes, and these mosquitoes are probably the most important enzootic vectors. beginning in 2017, a second wave of blackbird deaths associated with usuv was observed in eas ...201930665453
parasites in space and time: a case study of haemosporidian spatiotemporal prevalence in urban birds.prevalence responses to anthropic factors differ across hosts and parasite species. we here analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of avian haemosporidian prevalence in bird assemblages of the mooswald forest (i.e., urban greenspace; freiburg, germany), in response to local environmental features (e.g., water sources, human presence (visited)/absence (unvisited)) and bird-level traits (e.g., body condition, age, sex) in 2 years. we used a nested pcr protocol (mitochondrial (mt)dna cytochrome b (c ...201930673588
exposure to pb impairs breeding success and is associated with longer lifespan in urban european blackbirds.although several factors have been highlighted to explain the influence of urbanization on bird fitness and survival, the role of persistent toxicants such as lead (pb), which is typically present in urban areas worldwide, has seldom been studied despite the ecological importance of such a widespread stressor. studying free-living european blackbirds (turdus merula) in city parks, we tested the hypothesis that low-dose chronic exposure to pb could shape the life-history traits of urban birds. th ...201930679484
species diversity, host preference and arbovirus detection of culicoides (diptera: ceratopogonidae) in south-eastern serbia.culicoides (diptera: ceratopogonidae) is a genus of small biting midges (also known as "no-see ums") that currently includes 1368 described species. they are proven or suspected vectors for important pathogens affecting animals such as bluetongue virus (btv) and schmallenberg virus (sbv). currently little information is available on the species of culicoides present in serbia. thus, the aim of this study was to examine species diversity, host preference and the presence of btv and sbv rna in cul ...201930683145
screening for multiple tick-borne pathogens in ixodes ricinus ticks from birds in denmark during spring and autumn migration seasons.presently, it is uncertain to what extent seasonal migrating birds contribute to the introduction of ticks and tick-associated pathogens in denmark. to quantify this phenomenon, we captured birds during the spring and autumn migration at three field sites in denmark and screened them for ticks. bird-derived ticks were identified to tick species and screened for 37 tick-borne pathogens using real-time pcr. overall, 807 birds, representing 44 bird species, were captured and examined for ticks duri ...201930709658
estimating age-dependent survival from age-aggregated ringing data-extending the use of historical records.bird ring-recovery data have been widely used to estimate demographic parameters such as survival probabilities since the mid-20th century. however, while the total number of birds ringed each year is usually known, historical information on age at ringing is often not available. a standard ring-recovery model, for which information on age at ringing is required, cannot be used when historical data are incomplete. we develop a new model to estimate age-dependent survival probabilities from such ...201930766667
combined oral contraceptive pill-exposure alone does not reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis recurrence in a pilot randomised controlled trial.we conducted a pilot open-label randomised controlled trial of combined (oestrogen-progesterone) oral contraceptive pill (cocp)-exposure aimed to examine its effect on bv-recurrence following first-line antibiotics compared to antibiotics alone. ninety-five women with symptomatic bv were prescribed antibiotic therapy, randomised to cocp-exposure (intervention) or current non-hormonal contraceptive practices (control) and followed monthly for six-months or until bv-recurrence. modified intention- ...201930837554
prognostic indicators of recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.following all forms of therapy for bacterial vaginosis (bv), recurrence rates are extremely high. many diagnostic tests are available that differentiate bacterial vaginosis from other types of vaginal disorders, but none predict recurrence after treatment, nor are any vetted for monitoring ongoing responses to treatment. our goal was to determine which tests, and at what optimal times, have prognostic value in predicting recurrence. this prospective cohort study monitored 74 highly recurrent bv ...201930842235
incubation period and risk factors support sexual transmission of bacterial vaginosis in women who have sex with women.the epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis (bv) favours sexual transmission of bv-associated bacteria. we examined incubation period and risk factors for incident bv (ibv) in a prospective study of women who have sex with women (wsw).201930872415
combined vaginal administration of nystatin, diiodohydroxyquin, and benzalkonium chloride versus oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.to compare combined vaginal administration of nystatin, diiodohydroxyquin, and benzalkonium chloride versus oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (bv).201930895611
comparison of amsel criteria, nugent score, culture and two ce-ivd marked quantitative real-time pcrs with microbiota analysis for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.bacterial vaginosis (bv) is a common gynaecological condition. diagnosis of bv is typically based on amsel criteria, nugent score and/or bacterial culture. in this study, these conventional methods and two ce-ivd marked quantitative real-time (q)pcr assays were compared with microbiota analysis for the diagnosis of bv. eighty women were evaluated for bv during two sequential hospital visits by amsel criteria, nugent score, culture, the amplisens® florocenosis/bacterial vaginosis-frt pcr kit (int ...201930903536
antimicrobial resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing escherichia coli in common wild bird species in switzerland.a total of 294 fecal swabs from 294 wild birds in switzerland were cultivated for antimicrobial resistant (amr) escherichia coli. samples were also subcultivated to detect e. coli with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (esbl), carbapenemases, and plasmid-mediated aminoglycoside or colistin resistance, respectively. samples from 17 (5.8%) of the birds contained 19 amr e. coli, whereof 26.3% were multidrug resistant. five (1.7%) esbl-producing e. coli were detected. the isolates harbored blactx-m-1 ( ...201931006991
air sac trematodes: morishitium polonicum as a newly identified cause of death in the common blackbird (turdus merula).necropsy of two free-ranging common blackbirds (turdus merula) found dead in central italy revealed the presence of a high number of cyclocoelid flukes in the coelomatic cavity. cyclocoelid flukes primarily infect avian respiratory system. histologically, air sac walls were covered with a fibrinous exudate containing degenerate heterophils, many trematodes and some colonies of gram-positive cocci. the superficial bronchi and parabronchi were markedly distended, and the adjacent pulmonary parench ...201931011529
ixodes frontalis: a neglected but ubiquitous tick species in germany.the ornithophilic tick species ixodes frontalis (panzer) is spatially distributed in europe, asia and northern africa. it can serve as a carrier of different bacteria and viruses, but little is known of its actual vector competence. in addition, adult females of this species are associated with the avian "tick-related syndrome" (trs). like most ornithophilic tick species, i. frontalis is usually collected from bird nests or directly from their hosts. reports of i. frontalis being collected with ...201931093856
coccidian parasites from birds at rehabilitation centers in portugal, with notes on avispora bubonis in old world.portugal has some rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which are responsible for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds, among other animals, into the wild. coccidian parasites of these wild birds in rehabilitation centers are especially important because these centers can introduce coccidian species into new environments through the reintroduction of their respective hosts. in this context, the current study aimed to identify intestinal coccidia from wild birds at two rehabilitation ...201931141018
host responses to foreign eggs across the avian visual color space.despite extensive research on the sensory and cognitive processes of host rejection of avian brood parasites' eggs, the underlying perceptual and cognitive mechanisms are not sufficiently understood. historically, most studies of host egg discrimination assumed that hosts rejected a parasite's egg from their nest based on the perceived color and pattern differences between the parasite's egg and their own. a recent study used a continuous range of parasitic egg colors and discovered that hosts w ...201931251649
conventional oral and secondary high dose vaginal metronidazole therapy for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: clinical outcomes, impacts of sex and menses.oral metronidazole therapy is the standard of care for bacterial vaginosis (bv), yet it has alarming rates of recurrence and refractory responses among recurrent bv (rbv) patients. this study addresses whether high dose vaginal metronidazole therapy (hdm) is beneficial in rbv patients who fail after standard of care (soc) therapy, whether diagnostic test scores proximal to the hdm predict clinical outcome, and whether menses, coitus, or race influences therapy outcome.201931413606
usutu virus epizootic in belgium in 2017 and 2018: evidence of virus endemization and ongoing introduction events.wildlife surveillance allowed the monitoring of the zoonotic mosquito-borne usutu virus (usuv) in birds and bats (pipistrellus pipistrellus) in southern belgium in 2017 and 2018. usuv-rna was detected in 69 birds (of 253) from 15 species, among which 7 species had not previously been reported to be susceptible to the infection. similarly, 2 bats (of 10) were detected positive by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (rt-qpcr). usuv-associated lesions were mainly found in e ...202031479400
different dynamics of usutu virus infections in austria and hungary, 2017-2018.usutu virus (usuv), a mosquito-borne flavivirus closely related to west nile virus, emerged in austria in 2001, when it caused a considerable mass-mortality of eurasian blackbirds. cases in birds increased until 2003 and quickly declined thereafter, presumably due to developing herd immunity. since 2006, no further cases were recorded, until two blackbirds were tested positive in 2016. in hungary, usuv first appeared in 2005 and has caused only sporadic infections since then. initially, the only ...201931505099
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