Erysipelas with preferential brain and skin involvement in a Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus.

Infections by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae occur in domestic animals and cause the disease known as 'erysipelas'. The ubiquity of Erysipelothrix spp. makes infection possible in a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. Cetaceans are highly susceptible to erysipelas, especially those under human care. The number of cases documented in wild cetaceans is low, the pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and the full spectrum of lesions is not well defined. The possible serotypes and species of the genus that can cause disease are unknown. In October 2022, a common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus stranded in Vilassar de Mar (Catalonia) showing skin lesions consistent with 'diamond skin disease', a characteristic lesion of erysipelas shared by swine and cetaceans. Necropsy was performed following standardized procedures, and multiple samples were taken for histopathology and bacteriology. Erysipelothrix sp. grew in pure culture in many tissue samples. Genetic characterization by multi-locus sequence analysis identified the species as E. rhusiopathiae. Histologically, the main lesions were an intense suppurative vasculitis of leptomeningeal arteries and veins with abundant intramural Gram-positive bacilli and meningeal hemorrhages. Meningeal lesions were considered the cause of death. The affected skin showed moderate suppurative dermatitis. Herein we document a case of erysipelas in a Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin with unusual lesions in the leptomeningeal vessels and marked skin tropism. To our knowledge, this is the first case of severe brain involvement in erysipelas in a cetacean. We also provide a review of available cases in wild cetaceans, to highlight the characteristics of the disease and improve future diagnosis.

Emphysematous pyometra and emphysematous hepatitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a diabetic dog.

A 14-year-old intact female diabetic dog presented with seizures and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Radiographs revealed gas-filled tubular structures in the right and left caudal abdomen, raising concerns of emphysematous pyometra or small intestinal ileus. Ultrasonography played a pivotal role in confirming emphysematous pyometra, a technique previously documented only once in veterinary practice. This report also presents the first documented case of emphysematous pyometra in a diabetic dog attributed to Klebsiella pneumoniae and complicated by emphysematous hepatitis.

Tension pneumothorax in small odontocetes.

Pneumothorax, the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, occurs when air enters the pleural space by the pleuro-cutaneous, pleuro-pulmonary, or pleuro-oesophageal-mediastinal route. Tension pneumothorax is an infrequent and severe form of pneumothorax where a positive pressure in the pleural space is built up during at least part of the respiratory cycle, with compression of both lungs and mediastinal vessels, and, if unilateral, with midline deviation towards the unaffected hemithorax. We describe 9 cases of tension pneumothorax in 3 species of small cetaceans (striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba, common dolphin Delphinus delphis, and common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus) from the western Mediterranean coast of Spain, and one case from a dolphinarium. Computed tomography (CT) imaging performed in 2 carcasses before necropsy showed lung compression, midline deviation, and pressure on the diaphragm, which was caudally displaced. Tension pneumothorax was recognized at necropsy by the presence of pressurized air in one of the hemithoraces. Seven of the pneumothorax cases were spontaneous (2 primary and 5 secondary to previous lung pathology). In the other 2 dolphins, the pneumothorax was traumatic, due to oesophageal-pleural perforation or rib fractures. We hypothesize that pneumothorax in dolphins is predominantly tensional because of their specific anatomical and physiological adaptations to marine life and the obligate exposure to extreme pressure changes as diving mammals.

Gynecological influencing factors on the rectovaginal septum's morphology.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to determine the mean morphometric characteristics of the rectovaginal septum (RVS) and its variations in correlation with the number of pregnancies, method of delivery, parity, and estrogenic exposure. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, and comparative study was carried out. Pelvic MRI of Hispanic women (≥15 years of age) from the northeast of Mexico were obtained. Age and obstetric and gynecological history were registered and the sample women were categorized by their variables. Length and thickness measurements were standardized. RESULTS: A total of 102 MRI studies were included, with a mean age of 41; 24.5% were nulligravida, the rest primi- or multigravida. Vaginal delivery was the most common type (49.35%), 16.88% had a cesarean section, and 31.17% had mixed delivery. 74.5% of the women were premenopausal. The mean RVS length was 73.2 ± 15.3 mm, with a thickness of 2.8 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 1.2, and 2.5 ± 1.3 mm for the upper, middle, and lower thirds respectively. There were tendencies to increase the length of the RVS, and the thickness of the upper and middle thirds in the non-pregnancy and the at-least-one-pregnancy groups; to increase the length and middle-third thickness in those with mixed delivery, and increased upper- and lower-third thickness in those with only a cesarean section. Multiparous women with vaginal delivery had significantly longer and thicker RVS than primiparous. Premenopausal women had significantly longer RVS with a tendency to lose thickness toward postmenopause. CONCLUSIONS: The morphology of RVS can be modified by different factors such as age, number of pregnancies, number of births, and estrogenic exposure. This structure should be evaluated and taken into account in preoperative management and surgical technique planning.

Causes of cetacean stranding and death on the Catalonian coast (western Mediterranean Sea), 2012-2019.

The causes of cetacean stranding and death along the Catalan coast between 2012 and 2019 were systematically investigated. Necropsies and detailed pathological investigations were performed on 89 well-preserved stranded cetaceans, including 72 striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba, 9 Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus, 5 bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, 1 common dolphin Delphinus delphis, 1 Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and 1 fin whale Balaenoptera physalus. The cause of death was determined for 89.9% of the stranded cetaceans. Fisheries interaction was the most frequent cause of death in striped dolphins (27.8%) and bottlenose dolphins (60%). Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) was detected on the Catalan coast from 2016 to 2017, causing systemic disease and death in 8 of the 72 (11.1%) striped dolphins. Chronic CeMV infection of the central nervous system was observed from 2018-2019 in a further 5 striped dolphins. Thus, acute and chronic CeMV disease caused mortality in 18% of striped dolphins and 14.6% of all 89 cetaceans. Brucella ceti was isolated in 6 striped dolphins and 1 bottlenose dolphin with typical brucellosis lesions and in 1 striped dolphin with systemic CeMV. Sinusitis due to severe infestation by the nematode parasite Crassicauda grampicola caused the death of 4 out of 6 adult Risso's dolphins. Maternal separation, in some cases complicated with septicemia, was a frequent cause of death in 13 of 14 calves. Other less common causes of death were encephalomalacia of unknown origin, septicemia, peritonitis due to gastric perforation by parasites and hepatitis caused by Sarcocystis spp.

Fatal Photobacterium damselae-induced enteritis in a leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea.

Stranded leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea complete pathology reports are rare, and the cause of mortality is difficult to determine in many cases. We conducted a complete pathological study of a stranded leatherback turtle from the western Mediterranean. The main finding was a fibrino-necrotizing enteritis with associated bacteria which were identified as Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae according to biochemical and phenotypical characteristics. This report provides evidence of the pathogenic effect of this bacterium in wild sea turtles.

Peri-ictal psychiatric manifestations in people with epilepsy: An umbrella review.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to conduct an umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence regarding the prevalence of peri-ictal psychiatric manifestations (PM) in people with epilepsy (PWE) including pre-ictal, ictal, and postictal stages. METHODS: Databases were searched up to June 2023 for systematic reviews (SR) of observational studies that included patients with epilepsy peri-ictal PM. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (with the AMSTAR-2 instrument) were performed by two independent reviewers. We performed a narrative synthesis using previous guidelines. We used a self-developed decision table according to the GRADE system adapted for narrative outcomes if the certainty of outcomes was not determined by systematic review authors. RESULTS: Four SRs were included comprising 66 primary studies (n = 10 217). Three SRs evaluated one period (pre-ictal, ictal, and postictal), and one did not determine it. During the pre-ictal period, the more prevalent symptom was confusion, although with a low certainty (due to the heterogeneity and serious risk of bias). One systematic review that only included case reports evaluated the ictal period, finding mood/anxiety disorders, psychosis, and personality changes. The postictal period included the most PM (anxiety: 45.0% and depressive symptoms: 43.0%), with very low certainty, due to risk of bias, potential publication bias, heterogeneity, and failure to report the confidence intervals. SIGNIFICANCE: With very low certainty, epileptic periods are characterized by a wide spectrum of PM, being postictal symptoms the most prevalent, predominantly anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Further understanding of these PM of epilepsy could improve the attention of the people with epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: In this review of reviews, we summarize the frequency in which psychiatric manifestations occur in relation to an epileptic seizure. A total of 10 217 patients were reported in the reviews. The most common manifestations included symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as changes in the normal behavior of the patient. These manifestations occurred most frequently right after the seizure finished.

Molecular surveillance of potential SARS-CoV-2 reservoir hosts in wildlife rehabilitation centers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has become the most devastating zoonotic event in recent times, with negative impacts on both human and animal welfare as well as on the global economy. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered a human virus, it likely emerged from animals, and it can infect both domestic and wild animals. This constitutes a risk for human and animal health including wildlife with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 horizontal transmission back and forth between humans and wild animals. AIM: Molecular surveillance in different wildlife rehabilitation centers and wildlife associated institutions in Chile, which are critical points of animal-human interaction and wildlife conservation, especially since the aim of wildlife rehabilitation centers is to reintroduce animals to their original habitat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted in six WRCs and three wildlife associated institutions. A total of 185 samples were obtained from 83 individuals belonging to 15 different species, including vulnerable and endangered species. Each specimen was sampled with two different swabs: one oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal according to the nostril diameter, and/or a second rectal sample. RNA was extracted from the samples and two different molecular assays were performed: first, a conventional RT-PCR with pan-coronavirus primers and a second SARS-CoV-2 qPCR targeting the N and S genes. RESULTS: All 185 samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study constitutes the first report on the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 from wildlife treated in rehabilitation centers in Chile, and supports the biosafety procedures adopted in those centers.

Canine Distemper Outbreak by Natural Infection in a Group of Vaccinated Maned Wolves in Captivity.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most significantinfectious disease threats to the health and conservation of free-ranging and captive wild carnivores. CDV vaccination using recombinant canarypox-based vaccines has been recommended for maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) after the failure of modified live vaccines that induced disease in vaccinated animals. Here, we report a CDV outbreak in a captive population of maned wolves that were previously vaccinated. Five juveniles and one adult from a group of seven maned wolves housed in an outdoor exhibit died in April-May 2013 in a zoo in the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Clinical signs ranged from lethargy to digestive and respiratory signs. Diagnosis of CDV was confirmed by histopathology, antibody assays, and viral molecular detection and characterization. The phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequence of the H gene of the CDV genome identified in the two positive samples suggest a close relation with the lineage Europe 1, commonly found in South America and Chile. CDV infections in maned wolves have not been previously characterized. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of the clinical presentation of CDV in a canine species previously immunized with a recombinant vaccine.

Gouty Tophus in the Scrotum: An Unusual Extra-Articular Manifestation of Gout.

Background: Gout is a chronic disorder caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in soft tissues. Tophi are granulomatous inflammatory responses to the deposited crystals and manifest as subcutaneous nodules, typically in the first metatarsophalangeal joint but also in the olecranon bursa, Achilles tendon, ears, and finger pulps. Case Report: A 56-year-old male presented to an outpatient clinic with an 8-month history of an expanding scrotal lesion. The patient had no significant family history but had a history of high blood pressure and gout, diagnosed at age 24 years, without current treatment. Excisional biopsy from the ulcerated area of the scrotum was performed for confirmatory diagnosis, and pathology reported gouty tophus. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this case is the first report of a scrotal manifestation of gouty tophus and the second of genital involvement. Awareness of the possibility of genital manifestations of this disease is important because although gouty tophi are rare, they can present in patients with long-term uncontrolled gout.

Characterization of housing-related spontaneous variations of gut microbiota and expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in rats.

Gut microbiota has been suggested as a key component of gut homeostasis, affecting immune responses within the gut. We determined changes in intestinal commensal bacteria and expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 in rats bred under microbiologically controlled conditions (barrier), under standard conditions (conventional), and in barrier animals adapted to standard conditions (barrier/conventional). Cecal microbiota was analyzed by plate culture, and fluorescence in situ hybridization and microbial profiles were assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. Cecal expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Total number of cecal bacteria was similar in the three groups. However, the barrier group showed a higher number of strict anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium spp.) while Bifidobacterium spp. were scarce. Re-housing the barrier-bred rats into conventional conditions led to a microbiota with intermediate characteristics between the barrier and conventional groups. Richness of the cecal microbial ecosystem was similar in the three groups, although a relative time-dependent variation, with highest homogeneity in the barrier group, was observed. Expression levels of TLR-2 and TLR-4 had no clear correlation with the microbiota. These results show that the relative composition of the cecal microbiota in rats varies spontaneously with changes in the environmental conditions, with minor impact in the expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4. These observations might be important in the understanding of variability in animal responses, particularly to immune-related stimuli, when assessed in the context of the environmental/microbiological conditions.

Estimating large carnivore populations at global scale based on spatial predictions of density and distribution - Application to the jaguar (Panthera onca).

Broad scale population estimates of declining species are desired for conservation efforts. However, for many secretive species including large carnivores, such estimates are often difficult. Based on published density estimates obtained through camera trapping, presence/absence data, and globally available predictive variables derived from satellite imagery, we modelled density and occurrence of a large carnivore, the jaguar, across the species' entire range. We then combined these models in a hierarchical framework to estimate the total population. Our models indicate that potential jaguar density is best predicted by measures of primary productivity, with the highest densities in the most productive tropical habitats and a clear declining gradient with distance from the equator. Jaguar distribution, in contrast, is determined by the combined effects of human impacts and environmental factors: probability of jaguar occurrence increased with forest cover, mean temperature, and annual precipitation and declined with increases in human foot print index and human density. Probability of occurrence was also significantly higher for protected areas than outside of them. We estimated the world's jaguar population at 173,000 (95% CI: 138,000-208,000) individuals, mostly concentrated in the Amazon Basin; elsewhere, populations tend to be small and fragmented. The high number of jaguars results from the large total area still occupied (almost 9 million km2) and low human densities (< 1 person/km2) coinciding with high primary productivity in the core area of jaguar range. Our results show the importance of protected areas for jaguar persistence. We conclude that combining modelling of density and distribution can reveal ecological patterns and processes at global scales, can provide robust estimates for use in species assessments, and can guide broad-scale conservation actions.

The effect of water salinity on wood breakdown in semiarid Mediterranean streams.

Saline streams occur naturally and they are distributed worldwide, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, but human activities have also increased their number in many parts of the world. Little attention has been paid to assess increasing salt effects on organic matter decomposition. The objectives of this study were to analyse wood breakdown rates and how salinity affects them in 14 streams that exemplify a natural salinity gradient. We also analysed the effect of this gradient on changes in wood chemical composition, fungal biomass and microbial activity. Our results showed low breakdown rates (0.0010-0.0032 d(-1)), but they fell within the same range as those reported in freshwater streams when a similar woody substrate was used. However, salinity had a negative effect on the breakdown rates and fungal biomass along the salinity gradient, and led to noticeable changes in wood composition. Water salinity did not affect microbial activity estimated using hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate. Variation in breakdown rates and fungal biomass across streams was mediated mainly by salinity, and later by stream discharge. Despite the role of fungi in stick breakdown, the potential wood abrasion by salts must be analysed in detail to accurately understand the effect of increasing salinity on organic matter breakdown. Finally, our results indicate that increased salinity worldwide by human activities or by the global warming would imply organic matter breakdown and mineralisation slowing down, even in natural saline streams. However, because many variables are implicated, the final effect of climatic change on organic matter decomposition in streams is difficult to predict.

Foot infections associated with Arcanobacterium pyogenes in free-living fallow deer (Dama dama).

We describe foot infection associated with Arcanobacterium pyogenes in three adult male free-living fallow deer (Dama dama) from Sueve Regional Hunting Reserve (Principality of Asturias, Spain). Affected fallow deer were culled in November 1997 and 1998 during the hunting season. Necropsy, radiography, and microbiologic analysis were carried out for each animal. Unilateral swelling of one extremity at the coronary band was observed in all three cases. Areas of bone loss, severe periosteal reaction, and soft tissue swelling were seen on radiography. Lead fragments were observed in one fallow deer. Seven bacterial species were isolated, but only Arcanobacterium pyogenes was routinely found. Weather conditions in the area (mild temperatures and high humidity), the land (alternating pasture land and rock), the animal population density (both fallow deer and domestic herds of cows, horses, sheep, and goats, live side by side in the same areas), and hunting activities could be related to the frequency of these infections.

Tellurite enters Escherichia coli mainly through the PitA phosphate transporter.

Several transporters suspected to be involved in tellurite uptake in Escherichia coli were analyzed. Results showed that the PitA phosphate transporter was related to tellurite uptake. Escherichia coli ΔpitA was approximately four-fold more tolerant to tellurite, and cell viability remained almost unchanged during prolonged exposure to the toxicant as compared with wild type or ΔpitB cells. Notably, reduced thiols (toxicant targets) as well as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and fumarase C activities did not change when exposing the ΔpitA strain to tellurite, suggesting that tellurite-triggered oxidative damage is attenuated in the absence of PitA. After toxicant exposure, remaining extracellular tellurite was higher in E. coli ΔpitA than in control cells. Whereas inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric studies confirmed that E. coli ΔpitA accumulates ∼50% less tellurite than the other strains under study, tellurite strongly inhibited (32)P(i) uptake suggesting that the PitA transporter is one of the main responsible for tellurite uptake in this bacterium.

Establishing physico-chemical reference conditions in Mediterranean streams according to the European Water Framework Directive.

Type-specific physico-chemical reference conditions are required for the assessment of ecological status in the Water Framework Directive context, similarly to the biological and hydro-morphological elements. This directive emphasises that natural variability of quality elements in high status (reference condition) needs to be quantified. Mediterranean streams often present a marked seasonal pattern in hydrological, biological and geochemical processes which could affect physico-chemical reference conditions. This study establishes general physico-chemical reference conditions (oxygenation, nutrient, salinity and acidification conditions) for different Mediterranean stream types. 116 potential reference sites located in 23 Mediterranean catchments in Spain were sampled in spring, summer and autumn in 2003. All sites were subjected to a screening method for the selection of reference sites in Mediterranean streams (Mediterranean Reference Criteria) and classified using a pre-established stream typology that establishes five different stream types (temporary streams, evaporite-calcareous at medium altitude, siliceous headwaters, calcareous headwaters and large watercourses). Reference conditions (reference value and reference threshold equivalents to high-good class boundary) were calculated using two different methods according to the availability of reference sites: the reference site 75th percentile approach of all reference sites and the 25th percentile of the population approach. The majority of the studied potential reference sites (76 out of 116) were selected as reference sites. Regarding type-specific reference conditions, only siliceous headwaters could be considered different from the rest of stream types because lower conductivity and pH. All reference stream types presented seasonal differences as regards some parameters, except for temporary streams due to the high natural variation of this stream type. For those parameters which presented seasonal differences in a specific stream type, the least restrictive values were proposed as reference conditions.

Prevalencia de anemia por deficit de hierro en preescolares de la Pintana / Anemia prevalence due to iron deficit among pre-school children at La Pintana

Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, cuyo objetivo es identificar la proporción de niños preescolares con anemia ferropriva, pertenecientes al Jardín Lobito de la Pintana, durante los meses de Mayo - Junio de 2001. El universo está constituido por una población de 2.458 preescolares perteneciente a Jardines Infantiles o Centros Abiertos de la Pintana. La muestra es de tipo probabilística por conglomerado y corresponde a 96 preescolares. Los requisitos de inclusión son: no presentar enfermedades hematológicas ni parasitarias y no haber recibido terapia con hierro los 6 últimos meses previos al examen. Se procesan en el Laboratorio del INTA: Volumen Corpuscular Medio, Hematocrito, Hemoglobina, Protoporfirina Eritrocitaria Libre y Ferritina Sérica. Se evalúa el estado nutricional según patrón OMS, y se toman antecedentes biomédicos, alimenticios, mórbidos y socioeconómicos, con una encuesta aplicada a los apoderados. Los resultados reflejan una población con un leve predominio del sexo femenino (52.1 por ciento) y un promedio de edad de 4 años. Son eutróficos el 64.6 por ciento de los niños. La mayoría pertenece al estrato medio y medio bajo (50 por ciento y 48 por ciento respectivamente, y un 5.2 por ciento posee depósitos de hierro depletados