An Anatomical Study Using Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Rhinoscopy of the Nasal Cavity of Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus L.) and Big Cats: Lion (Panthera leo leo L.), Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya L.), and Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus S.).

The objective of this work was to study the normal anatomy of the nasal cavity of the three species of big cats (leopard, lion, and cheetah) compared to the domestic cat through the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and rhinoscopy. Computed tomography allowed us to clearly visualize the entire bony and cartilaginous framework that supports the nasal cavity. Magnetic resonance imaging permitted better visualization of the soft tissues of this cavity. On the other hand, rhinoscopy enabled the direct visualization of the mucosa of the vestibule and nasal cavity, which is very useful in the diagnosis of masses or foreign bodies. Furthermore, with this technique, it has been possible to observe several small orifices from the nasolacrimal duct, the pharyngeal auditory tube, and the lateral nasal gland. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and rhinoscopy are useful tools in analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the nasal cavity in these species.

Creation of Three-Dimensional Anatomical Vascular and Biliary Models for the Study of the Feline Liver (Felis silvestris catus L.): A Comparative CT, Volume Rendering (Vr), Cast and 3D Printing Study.

In this study, six adult feline cadavers were examined using CTA, 3D printing, and casts injected with epoxy. The aorta, the portal vein, and the gallbladder of 3 feline cadavers were separately injected with a 50% mixture of colored vulcanized latex and hydrated barium sulfate as contrast medium to analyze by CT the arterial, venous and biliary systems. The other three cadavers were injected with a mixture of epoxy resin in the aorta, gallbladder and hepatic veins, separately. After the corrosion and washing process, hepatic vascular and biliary casts were obtained. The images obtained by CT showed the vascular and biliary system using a soft tissue window. For the identification of vascular and biliary structures, the 3D prints together with the 3D reconstructions were analyzed, and the results were compared with the casts obtained with epoxy resin. Each of the arterial, venous and biliary branches associated with each of the liver lobes were identified with the help of the printings. In conclusion, the creation of 3D prototypes of nonpathological feline hepatic parenchyma can be used in the veterinary clinic as a basis for the detection of pathological problems in addition to obtaining future pathological hepatic 3D models.

Anatomical and Three-Dimensional Study of the Female Feline Abdominal and Pelvic Vascular System Using Dissections, Computed Tomography Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

This study describes the anatomical characteristics of the abdominal and pelvic vascular system of two healthy mature female cats via three-dimensional contrast enhanced computed tomography angiography, non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and three-dimensional printing. Volume-rendering computed tomography angiography images were acquired from the ventral aspect using RadiAnt, Amira and OsiriX MD Dicom three-dimensional formats, and three-dimensional printing was obtained and compared with the corresponding computed tomography angiography images. Non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was made using the time-of-flight imaging in ventral, oblique and lateral views. In addition, three cadavers with colored latex injection were dissected to facilitate the identification of the vascular structures. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography showed the main vascular structures, whereas with the time-of-flight blood appeared with a high signal intensity compared with associated abdominal and pelvic tissues. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography images and time-of-flight sequences provided adequate anatomical details of the main arteries and veins that could be used for future feline anatomical and clinical vascular studies of the abdomen and pelvis.

Comparative Anatomy of the Nasal Cavity in the Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis L., Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba M. and Pilot Whale Globicephala melas T.: A Developmental Study.

Our goal was to analyze the main anatomical structures of the dolphin external nose and nasal cavity from fetal developmental stages to adult. Endoscopy was used to study the common development of the external nose and the melon, and nasal mucosa. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anatomical sections were correlated with anatomical sections. Computed tomography (CT) was used to generate 3D reconstructions of the nasal bones and nasal cavities to study its development. Dissections, histological and pathological studies were carried out on the nasal mucosa to understand its function. These results were compared with the horse. Endoscopy showed an external nose with two lips and the upper lip is divided by a groove due to the nasal septum and an obstruction of right nasal cavity was diagnosed in a newborn. Two diverticula (air sacs) were found in the nasal vestibule and an incisive recess (premaxillary sac) in the nasal cavity. These findings were corroborated by 3D reconstructions of the nasal cavities, MRI, anatomical sections and dissections. The presphenoid and ethmoid bones were fused at early stages of fetal development. The ethmoid is the last bone to ossify in the nasal cavity.

Endoscopic Study of the Oral and Pharyngeal Cavities in the Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Pilot Whale: Reinforced with Other Diagnostic and Anatomic Techniques.

In this work, the fetal and newborn anatomical structures of the dolphin oropharyngeal cavities were studied. The main technique used was endoscopy, as these cavities are narrow tubular spaces and the oral cavity is difficult to photograph without moving the specimen. The endoscope was used to study the mucosal features of the oral and pharyngeal cavities. Two pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes were discovered on either side of the choanae and larynx. These spaces begin close to the musculotubaric channel of the middle ear, are linked to the pterygopalatine recesses (pterygoid sinus) and they extend to the maxillopalatine fossa. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), osteological analysis, sectional anatomy, dissections, and histology were also used to better understand the function of the pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes. These data were then compared with the horse's pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes. The histology revealed that a vascular plexus inside these diverticula could help to expel the air from this space to the nasopharynx. In the oral cavity, teeth remain inside the alveolus and covered by gums. The marginal papillae of the tongue differ in extension depending on the fetal specimen studied. The histology reveals that the incisive papilla is vestigial and contain abundant innervation. No ducts were observed inside lateral sublingual folds in the oral cavity proper and caruncles were not seen in the prefrenular space.

A meta-analysis approach to the effects of fish farming on soft bottom polychaeta assemblages in temperate regions.

Marine fish farms could cause environmental disturbances on the sediment due to uneaten food and fish faeces that impact the marine benthos. Polychaete assemblages are considered good indicators of environmental perturbations. The present study aimed to establish groups of polychaetes as potential indicators of fish farm pollution. This study was carried out in ten fish farms along the Spanish coast. Changes in polychaete assemblage were analyzed with meta-analysis and multivariate techniques. Abundance, richness and diversity showed significant decreases under fish farm conditions. Distribution patterns of polychaetes responded to combinations of physicochemical variables. The main ones are sulfide concentration, silt and clays percentage, and stable nitrogen isotope ratio. The results showed that some families are tolerant, Capitellidae, Dorvilleidae, Glyceridae, Nereididae, Oweniidae and Spionidae; while others are sensitive to fish farm pollution, Magelonidae, Maldanidae, Nephtyidae, Onuphidae, Paralacydoniidae, Paraonide, Sabellidae and also Cirratulidae in spite of being reported as a tolerant family.

Study of metals concentration levels in Patella piperata throughout the Canary Islands, Spain.

In order to assess the extent of metal contamination at rocky shores of the Canarian Archipelago, metal concentrations have been measured in Patella piperata (Gould, 1846), using the standard atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique. Ranges of elements concentrations measured (in microg g(-1)) found in the biota were: Cd (0.36 +/- 0.26 microg g(-1) dry wt.), Cu (2.05 +/- 0.91 dry wt.), Pb (1.57 +/- 1.14 microg g(-1)dry wt.) and Zn (10.37 +/- 4.60 microg g(-1) dry wt.). Variation in metal concentrations in Patella, was tested by using non-parametric statistical methods. Cd content had a maximum in the Archipelago Chinijo, northward of Lanzarote Island. The metal concentrations recorded at the clean stations may be considered carefully if they are used like background levels.