Gross lesions associated with Sarcocystis miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption: the importance of trained hunters to ensure animal health surveillance and food safety.

Sarcocystis is a genus of protozoa with a worldwide distribution infecting a wide range of animals, including humans. Wild boars can harbor at least two species of Sarcocystis, that is, the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis, using humans as definitive hosts, and Sarcocystis miescheriana, for which wild and domestic canids serve as definitive hosts. In Portugal, hunting holds significant economic and social importance, and wild boars are among the most appreciated hunted species. As the consumption of wild boar meat can expose humans to several foodborne pathogens, the presence of trained hunters can make a difference in ensuring animal health surveillance and food safety. Herein, we report the detection of macroscopic cystic lesions associated with S. miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption, resulting in carcass condemnation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the presence of S. miescheriana in wild boar tissues has never been associated with macroscopic pathological alterations before. Although S. miescheriana cannot infect humans, carcasses affected by grossly visible pathological changes must be declared unfit for consumption. Therefore, our finding points out the potential economic damage associated with carcass rejection due to the presence of gross lesions associated with generalized sarcocystosis. Nonetheless, further studies are required to investigate these alterations that currently appear to be occasional findings.

Investigating the impact of the interstitial fluid flow and hypoxia interface on cancer transcriptomes using a spheroid-on-chip perfusion system.

Solid tumours are complex and heterogeneous systems, which exist in a dynamic biophysical microenvironment. Conventional cancer research methods have long relied on two-dimensional (2D) static cultures which neglect the dynamic, three-dimensional (3D) nature of the biophysical tumour microenvironment (TME), especially the role and impact of interstitial fluid flow (IFF). To address this, we undertook a transcriptome-wide analysis of the impact of IFF-like perfusion flow using a spheroid-on-chip microfluidic platform, which allows 3D cancer spheroids to be integrated into extracellular matrices (ECM)-like hydrogels and exposed to continuous perfusion, to mimic IFF in the TME. Importantly, we have performed these studies both in experimental (normoxia) and pathophysiological (hypoxia) oxygen conditions. Our data indicated that gene expression was altered by flow when compared to static conditions, and for the first time showed that these gene expression patterns differed in different oxygen tensions, reflecting a differential role of spheroid perfusion in IFF-like flow in tumour-relevant hypoxic conditions in the biophysical TME. We were also able to identify factors primarily linked with IFF-like conditions which are linked with prognostic value in cancer patients and therefore could correspond to a potential novel biomarker of IFF in cancer. This study therefore highlights the need to consider relevant oxygen conditions when studying the impact of flow in cancer biology, as well as demonstrating the potential of microfluidic models of flow to identify IFF-relevant tumour biomarkers.

Histopathological and Ultrastructural Study of a Canine Langerhans Cell Tumour (Canine Cutaneous Histiocytoma).

Canine cutaneous histiocytoma (CCH) represents a significant proportion of dog skin tumours, often manifesting as the most common neoplastic skin condition in young animals. Predominantly affecting dogs under four, these tumours appear primarily as solitary lesions that may regress spontaneously. This study, conducted over five years at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, involved a detailed histopathological and ultrastructural examination of 93 CCH cases. Histologically, these tumours showed distinct patterns of lymphoid infiltration, which contributed to their classification into four groups based on the inflammatory response and histological architecture. Most tumours displayed signs of epidermal invasion and frequent mitotic figures, with necrosis present in over half of the cases. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells were characterised by pleomorphism, abundant organelles, and adherens-type junctions. This study offers significant insights into the pathophysiology and morphological characteristics of CCH, underscoring the importance of detailed histological and ultrastructural analysis in accurately diagnosing and understanding this common canine tumour.

TGFß in malignant canine mammary tumors: relation with angiogenesis, immunologic markers and prognostic role.

Transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) and FoxP3 regulatory T cells (Treg) are involved in human breast carcinogenesis. This topic is not well documented in canine mammary tumors (CMT). In this work, the tumoral TGFß expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 67 malignant CMT and its correlation to previously determined FoxP3, VEGF, and CD31 markers and other clinicopathologic parameters was evaluated. The high levels of TGFß were statistically significantly associated with skin ulceration, tumor necrosis, high histological grade of malignancy (HGM), presence of neoplastic intravascular emboli and presence of lymph node metastases. The observed levels of TGFß were positively correlated with intratumoral FoxP3 (strong correlation), VEGF (weak correlation) and CD31 (moderate correlation). Tumors that presented a concurrent high expression of TGFß/FoxP3, TGFß/VEGF, and TGFß/CD31 markers were statistically significantly associated with parameters of tumor malignancy (high HGM, presence of vascular emboli and nodal metastasis). Additionally, shorter overall survival (OS) time was statistically significantly associated with tumors with an abundant TGFß expression and with concurrent high expression of TGFß/FoxP3, TGFß/VEGF, and TGFß/CD31. The presence of lymph node metastasis increased 11 times the risk of disease-related death, arising as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in the multivariable analysis. In conclusion, TGFß and Treg cells seem involved in tumor progression emerging as potential therapeutic targets for future immunotherapy studies.

Programmed-cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in equine sarcoids and squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Sarcoids and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the most concerning equine oncological diseases. Both tumors are challenging to manage due to their invasive behavior and high prevalence of recurrences. Furthermore, SCCs have a propensity to metastasize. Programed cell-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been one of the main therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in various human tumors. PD-L1 research in equine tumors is scarce and more efforts are necessary to understand the potential of this biomarker as a therapeutical target. Aim: Evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine sarcoids and SCC. Methods: Thirteen equine tumors (seven sarcoids and 6 SCCs) were tested by immunohistochemistry and evaluated semi quantitatively to assess the percentage of positive cells. Results: None of the sarcoids presented PD-L1 expression. Regarding SCC, 2 tumors presented <10% of labeled cells; 2 tumors presented 10%-25% of labeled cells and 2 tumors presented 25%-50% of labeled cells. There were statistically significant differences between sarcoids and SCC regarding the expression of PD-L1. Conclusion: Our results point to the fact that PD-L1 could be a potential therapeutic target against SCC, and also encourage in-depth studies in this area, with larger sample sizes.

Congenital Anomalies in American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus, Cuvier, 1807) Embryos from a Farm Breeder in Colombia.

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus, Cuvier, 1807) (Class Reptilia, Family Crocodylidae) is a crocodile species inhabiting the Neotropics. Congenital defects have been described in almost every vertebrate group. In crocodiles, teratology alterations have been described in captive animals (pets, zoos, farms) such as Crocodylus niloticus or Gavialis gangeticus. The present study aimed to characterize congenital malformations of C. acutus from a farm in Lomas de Matunilla, Ballestas, Bolívar, Colombia. A total of 550 unhatched eggs were examined after embryo death. A total of 61 embryos presented malformations, with 42 different types of anomalies observed. Limb and tail malformations (29%) were the most common malformations observed. Several malformations, such as cephalothoracopagus, thoracopagus, sternopagus, xiphopagus twins, campylorrachis scoliosa, and acrania, were documented in crocodiles for the first time. Research in teratology enhances our understanding of crocodile biology. It plays a role in their conservation and management, thus helping to ensure the long-term viability of these species in their natural habitats.

Immunohistochemical Expression Levels of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Cyclooxygenase-2, and Ki-67 in Canine Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) stands as the second most prevalent skin cancer in dogs, primarily attributed to UV radiation exposure. Affected areas typically include regions with sparse hair and pale or depigmented skin. The significance of spontaneous canine cutaneous SCC as a model for its human counterpart is underscored by its resemblance. This study assesses the expression of key markers-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and Ki-67-in canine cutaneous SCC. Our objective is to investigate the association between their expression levels and classical clinicopathological parameters, unraveling the intricate relationships among these molecular markers. In our retrospective analysis of 37 cases, EGFR overexpression manifested in 43.2% of cases, while Cox-2 exhibited overexpression in 97.3%. The EGFR, Cox-2 overexpression, and Ki-67 proliferation indices, estimated through immunohistochemistry, displayed a significant association with the histological grade, but only EGFR labeling is associated with the presence of lymphovascular emboli. The Ki-67 labeling index expression exhibited an association with EGFR and Cox-2. These findings propose that EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 hold promise as valuable markers in canine SCC. EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 may serve as indicators of disease progression, offering insights into the malignancy of a lesion. The implications extend to the potential therapeutic targeting of EGFR and Cox-2 in managing canine SCC. Further exploration of these insights is warranted due to their translational relevance and the development of targeted interventions in the context of canine SCC.

Ancient Diseases in Vertebrates: Tumours through the Ages.

Paleo-oncology studies neoplastic diseases in fossilised animals, including human remains. Recent advancements have enabled more accurate diagnoses of ancient pathologies despite the inherent challenges in identifying tumours in fossils-such as the rarity of well-preserved specimens, the predominance of bone remains, and the difficulty in distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions. This study compiles reports of tumours in fossilised animals, highlighting that neoplasms are present in a wide range of vertebrates and drawing comparisons to modern instances of similar diseases. The findings underscore the multifactorial aetiology of tumours, which involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and suggest that tumours have been around for at least 350 million years.

A case report and review of the literature on swine hemorrhagic tracheitis syndrome in a Portuguese farm.

Background: Respiratory diseases, including the multifactorial "swine respiratory disease complex," have a significant impact on swine production. Recently, a condition manifesting primarily in the trachea, known as hemorrhagic tracheitis syndrome (HTS), has been described in pigs. HTS is characterized by severe coughing and high mortality in finishing pigs. Case Description: This report presents the first case of HTS in an adult male pig from a Portuguese farm. The animal died without any previous clinical signs. Necropsy revealed significant thickening of the trachea. Fibrinous necrotic hemorrhagic tracheitis was identified through histopathological analysis, but no bacterial infectious agents were detected during microbiological examination. Conclusion: This case underscores the need for comprehensive research, including systematic necropsies and histopathological assessments, to understand the actual prevalence of the disease, elucidate the etiology, and develop effective interventions for HTS in swine productions.

The Impact of Excision Interval on Equine Melanoma Progression: Time Matters?

Equine melanomas are a common neoplasm in gray horses. However, scientific knowledge about their progression over time is quite scarce. Some owners and veterinarians still believe that early intervention is not necessary, stating that tumors evolve very slowly and intervention could worsen the animal's condition. This work aims to identify clinical and histological differences that may exist between equine melanomas with different excision intervals (time between tumor detection and surgical excision). A total of 42 tumors (13 benign and 29 malignant) from 34 horses were included in this study. There was a statistically significant association between excision interval and tumor size (p = 0.038), with tumors excised later being significantly larger than the ones excised sooner. The excision interval was also statistically associated with the number of tumors (p = 0.011), since the horses that carried a tumor for longer seemed to be prone to have multiple tumors. Furthermore, there was an association between excision interval and malignancy (p = 0.035), with tumor excised later being fives times more likely to be malignant. This study provides evidence of delayed excision's effect on the progression of equine melanomas. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of the early excision of these tumors.

Evaluation of Claw Lesions in Beef Cattle Slaughtered in Northern Portugal: A Preliminary Study.

Claw diseases have a profound impact on cattle welfare, affecting behaviors such as grazing, rumination, rest, decubitus, and water consumption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of claw lesions and classify them according to the ICAR Claw Health Atlas (International Committee of Animal Recording) in two slaughterhouses. The influence of claw lesions on carcass weight, classification, and fat deposition was also examined. Involving 343 crossbreed cattle from 103 different extensive or semi-intensive farms, this study found an animal prevalence of claw disorders at 65.8%, with a higher incidence in females (n = 207, 60.35%) compared to males (n = 136, 39.65%). Despite the observed prevalence, claw lesions were not influenced by age or sex (p > 0.05). The main claw lesions identified, including heel horn erosion, double sole, and asymmetric claw, were consistent with the cattle management practices in the study area. These cattle were raised in small, rustic premises with uneven floors, utilizing a mix of manure and plant material as bedding and lacking access to pasture. Also, no negative economic impact was detected concerning carcass weight, classification, or fat deposition. Consequently, it was concluded that the presence of claw lesions in beef cattle raised under the characteristic management of this geographical area does not adversely affect animal health or farm economics.

Assessment of Tumor-Associated Tissue Eosinophilia (TATE) and Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a significant neoplasm in dogs, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high metastatic potential. These canine spontaneous tumors share many characteristics with human transitional cell carcinoma, making them an excellent comparative model. The role of inflammatory infiltration in tumor development and progression is frequently contradictory, especially concerning tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to analyze TATE and TAMs in canine transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Congo Red staining was used to identify TATE, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect TAMs in 34 cases of canine transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder carcinomas, categorized into low and high grades. Statistically significant differences were observed between the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the two groups of tumors. The number of TATE was higher in low-grade malignant tumors, but the number of TAMs was higher in high-grade tumors. Our findings suggest the importance of TATEs and TAMs in the aggressiveness of canine transitional cell carcinoma and propose their potential use as therapeutic targets.

A Lotus or a Dragon? - The orientalization and fetishization of Asian women's bodies. / Um Lótus ou um Dragão? - a orientalização e fetichização dos corpos das mulheres Asiáticas.

This article stems from interviews conducted with Chinese women residing in Lisbon, aged 18-34, during the initial phase of fieldwork (2021/2022). As an outcome of my Anthropology Ph.D. project, the focus here is on comprehending the perception of Asian women within the realm of everyday life as fetishized entities and how they persist in (re)shaping their identities. By primarily examining visual "yellow fever" depictions (in Hollywood cinema through films like "The World of Suzie Wong", "Madame Butterfly", "Miss Saigon", and the "Year of the Dragon", along with interracial Pornography), I endeavor to delve into the impact of "race", "sexual fetishization", and the ubiquitous propagation of stereotypical imagery on the lives of the individuals I engage with.

Este artigo provém das entrevistas realizadas com mulheres Chinesas residentes em Lisboa, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 34 anos, no decorrer da primeira fase do trabalho de campo (2021/2022). Resultante do meu projeto de Doutoramento em Antropologia aqui busco compreender como mulheres asiáticas são observadas na experiência do quotidiano enquanto organismos fetichizados e como seguem (re)construindo as suas identidades. Percorrendo essencialmente representações visuais da "yellow fever" (o cinema de Hollywood em filmes como "O Mundo de Suzie Wong", "Madame Butterfly", "Miss Saigon" e "Year of the Dragon" e a pornografia inter-racial) procuro explorar como a "raça", a "fetichização sexual" e as imagens estereotipadas exaustivamente disseminadas, afetam a vida das minhas interlocutoras.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Expression in Equine Melanocytic Tumors.

Equine melanocytic tumors are common and have an unusual benign behavior with low invasiveness and metastatic rates. However, tumoral mass growth is usually a concern that can have life-threatening consequences. COX-2 is related to oncogenesis, promoting neoplastic cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 in equine melanocytic tumors. Through extension and intensity of labeling, 39 melanocytomas and 38 melanomas were evaluated. Of the malignant tumors, 13.2% were negative and 63.2% presented a low COX-2 expression. Only 6 malignant tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 18 malignant and 8 benign had an expression between 21 and 50%, 8 malignant and 3 benign tumors had an expression between 6 and 20%, 1 malignant tumor had an expression between 1 and 5%, and 5 malignant and 28 benign tumors had no expression. Malignant tumors showed higher COX-2 expression than did benign tumors, with statistically significant differences. The low levels of COX-2 may be one of the molecular reasons for the presence of expansive mass growth instead of the invasive pattern of other species, which is related to high COX-2 levels.

Immunohistochemical Expression and Prognostic Value of COX-2 and Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin-positive Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Feline Mammary Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the development and progression of tumor malignancy in humans and animals, showing that both can influence the tumor microenvironment. However, the impact of these two markers in feline mammary carcinogenesis has not yet been addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the clinicopathological significance of COX-2 immunoexpression and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was determined and correlated with disease-free and overall survival of 50 felines with malignant mammary tumors. RESULTS: COX-2 overexpression was positively associated with mitotic index (p=0.031), degree of malignancy (p≤0.001), lymph node metastasis (p≤0.001), vascular invasion (p=0.002), disease recurrence (p=0.019) and distant metastasis (p=0.036). α-SMA-positive CAFs were associated with mitotic index (p=0.004), lymph node metastasis (p=0.027), vascular invasion (p=0.05), disease recurrence (p≤0.001) and distant metastasis (p≤0.001). Additionally, both markers were correlated with disease-free and overall survival, emerging as predictors of poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate for the first time that the presence of two markers, COX-2 and α-SMA, is associated with carcinogenesis and worse prognosis in feline mammary cancer and that α-SMA-positive CAFs have a role in feline mammary tumorigenesis, cancer development, and clinical outcome.

Investigating Cox-2 and EGFR as Biomarkers in Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common and highly aggressive dog tumor known for its local invasiveness and metastatic potential. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the development and progression of OSCC is crucial for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, spontaneous oral squamous cell carcinomas in dogs are an excellent model for studying human counterparts. In this study, we aimed to investigate the significance of two key molecular components, Cox-2 and EGFR, in canine OSCC. We examined 34 tumor sections from various dog breeds to assess the immunoexpression of Cox-2 and EGFR. Our findings revealed that Cox-2 was highly expressed in 70.6% of cases, while EGFR overexpression was observed in 44.1%. Cox-2 overexpression showed association with histological grade of malignancy (HGM) (p = 0.006) and EGFR with vascular invasion (p = 0.006). COX-2 and EGFR concurrent expression was associated with HGM (p = 0.002), as well as with the presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.002). These data suggest that Cox-2 and EGFR could be promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, opening avenues for developing novel treatment strategies for dogs affected by OSCC. Further studies are warranted to delve deeper into these findings and translate them into clinical practice.

Um Lótus ou um Dragão? - a orientalização e fetichização dos corpos das mulheres Asiáticas / A Lotus or a Dragon? - The orientalization and fetishization of Asian women's bodies

Resumo Este artigo provém das entrevistas realizadas com mulheres Chinesas residentes em Lisboa, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 34 anos, no decorrer da primeira fase do trabalho de campo (2021/2022). Resultante do meu projeto de Doutoramento em Antropologia aqui busco compreender como mulheres asiáticas são observadas na experiência do quotidiano enquanto organismos fetichizados e como seguem (re)construindo as suas identidades. Percorrendo essencialmente representações visuais da "yellow fever" (o cinema de Hollywood em filmes como "O Mundo de Suzie Wong", "Madame Butterfly", "Miss Saigon" e "Year of the Dragon" e a pornografia inter-racial) procuro explorar como a "raça", a "fetichização sexual" e as imagens estereotipadas exaustivamente disseminadas, afetam a vida das minhas interlocutoras.

Abstract This article stems from interviews conducted with Chinese women residing in Lisbon, aged 18-34, during the initial phase of fieldwork (2021/2022). As an outcome of my Anthropology Ph.D. project, the focus here is on comprehending the perception of Asian women within the realm of everyday life as fetishized entities and how they persist in (re)shaping their identities. By primarily examining visual "yellow fever" depictions (in Hollywood cinema through films like "The World of Suzie Wong", "Madame Butterfly", "Miss Saigon", and the "Year of the Dragon", along with interracial Pornography), I endeavor to delve into the impact of "race", "sexual fetishization", and the ubiquitous propagation of stereotypical imagery on the lives of the individuals I engage with.

European Wild Carnivores and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Review.

Antibiotic resistance is a global concern that affects not only human health but also the health of wildlife and the environment. Wildlife can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture can contribute to the development of resistance in these populations. Several European carnivore species, such as wolves, foxes, otters, and bears, can be exposed to antibiotics by consuming contaminated food, water, or other resources in their habitats. These animals can also be indirectly exposed to antibiotics through interactions with domestic animals and human activities in their environment. Antibiotic resistance in wildlife can harm ecosystem health and also impact human health indirectly through various pathways, including zoonotic disease transmission. Moreover, the spread of resistant bacteria in wildlife can complicate conservation efforts, as it can threaten already endangered species. This review aims to describe the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild carnivores in Europe.

Anaesthesia in Veterinary Oncology: The Effects of Surgery, Volatile and Intravenous Anaesthetics on the Immune System and Tumour Spread.

Throughout the course of oncological disease, the majority of patients require surgical, anaesthetic and analgesic intervention. However, during the perioperative period, anaesthetic agents and techniques, surgical tissue trauma, adjuvant drugs for local pain and inflammation and other non-pharmacological factors, such as blood transfusions, hydration, temperature and nutrition, may influence the prognosis of the disease. These factors significantly impact the oncologic patient's immune response, which is the primary barrier to tumour progress, promoting a window of vulnerability for its dissemination and recurrence. More research is required to ascertain which anaesthetics and techniques have immunoprotective and anti-tumour effects, which will contribute to developing novel anaesthetic strategies in veterinary medicine.

Cross-species oncogenomics offers insight into human muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: In humans, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is highly aggressive and associated with a poor prognosis. With a high mutation load and large number of altered genes, strategies to delineate key driver events are necessary. Dogs and cats develop urothelial carcinoma (UC) with histological and clinical similarities to human MIBC. Cattle that graze on bracken fern also develop UC, associated with exposure to the carcinogen ptaquiloside. These species may represent relevant animal models of spontaneous and carcinogen-induced UC that can provide insight into human MIBC. RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing of domestic canine (n = 87) and feline (n = 23) UC, and comparative analysis with human MIBC reveals a lower mutation rate in animal cases and the absence of APOBEC mutational signatures. A convergence of driver genes (ARID1A, KDM6A, TP53, FAT1, and NRAS) is discovered, along with common focally amplified and deleted genes involved in regulation of the cell cycle and chromatin remodelling. We identify mismatch repair deficiency in a subset of canine and feline UCs with biallelic inactivation of MSH2. Bovine UC (n = 8) is distinctly different; we identify novel mutational signatures which are recapitulated in vitro in human urinary bladder UC cells treated with bracken fern extracts or purified ptaquiloside. CONCLUSION: Canine and feline urinary bladder UC represent relevant models of MIBC in humans, and cross-species analysis can identify evolutionarily conserved driver genes. We characterize mutational signatures in bovine UC associated with bracken fern and ptaquiloside exposure, a human-linked cancer exposure. Our work demonstrates the relevance of cross-species comparative analysis in understanding both human and animal UC.