Parasite communities in two sparid fishes from the western Mediterranean: a comparative analysis based on samples from three localities off the Algerian coast

We provide the first known comparative assessment of metazoan parasite communities in two taxonomically and ecologically related sparids, Boops boops and Spicara maena, that are common in the coastal infralittoral habitats in the Mediterranean. Using abundant data for infracommunities in three localities off the Algerian coasts of the Mediterranean, we tested the general prediction that the phylogenetic proximity of the two hosts, their overlapping geographical distribution and habitat occupation, as well as the similar feeding habits and diet would contribute to a homogenization of their parasite community composition and structure. The regional fauna of parasites of B. boops and S. maena along the Algerian coasts of the western Mediterranean was species-rich (36 species) and dominated by heteroxenous species (27 spp; of these 20 digenean spp.). The phylogenetic relatedness between the two hosts resulted in a large number of shared parasites (56 %, 20 spp.). However, the significant overlap in the parasite faunas of the two sparid hosts and their similar feeding habits and diet did not translate into homogeneous parasite community pattern; a significant differentiation in terms of both, composition and structure, was observed

Radiology reporting of incidental osteoporotic vertebral fragility fractures present on CT studies:results of UK national re-audit

Aim: To describe a UK-wide re-audit of the 2019 Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) audit evaluating patient-related data and organisational infrastructure in the radiological reporting of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs) on computed tomography (CT) studies and to assess the impact of a series of RCR interventions, initiated to raise VFF awareness, on reporting practice and outcomes.Materials and Methods: Patient specific and organisational questionnaires largely replicated those utilised in 2019. The patient questionnaire involved retrospective analysis of between 50 and 100 consecutive, non-traumatic CT studies which included the thoracolumbar spine. All RCR radiology audit leads were invited to participate. Data collection commenced from 1 April 2022. RESULTS: Data were supplied by 129/194 (67%) departments. One thousand five hundred and eighty-six of 7,316 patients (21.7%) had a VFF on auditor review. Overall improvements were demonstrated in key initial/provisional reporting results; comment on spine/bone (93.2%, 14.4% improvement, p&lt;0.0002); fracture severity assessment (34.7%, 8.5% improvement, p=0.0007); use of recommended terminology (67.8%, 7.5% improvement, p=0.0034); recommendations for further management (11.7%, 9.1% improvement, p&lt;0.0002).Conclusions: The 2022 national re-audit confirms improvements in diagnostic performance and practice in VFF reporting. Continuing work is required to build on this improvement and to further embed best practice.</p