Drivers of biogenic volatile organic compound emissions in hygrophytic bryophytes.

Bryophytes can both emit and take up biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) to and from the environment. Despite the scarce study of these exchanges, BVOCs have been shown to be important for a wide range of ecological roles. Bryophytes are the most ancient clade of land plants and preserve very similar traits to those first land colonisers. Therefore, the study of these plants can help understand the early processes of BVOC emissions as an adaptation to terrestrial life. Here, we determine the emission rates of BVOCs from different bryophyte species to understand what drives such emissions. We studied 26 bryophyte species from temperate regions that can be found in mountain springs located in NE Spain. Bryophyte BVOC emission presented no significant phylogenetic signal for any of the compounds analysed. Hence, we used mixed linear models to investigate the species-specific differences and eco-physiological and environmental drivers of bryophyte BVOC emission. In general, species-specific variability was the main factor explaining bryophyte BVOC emissions; but additionally, photosynthetic rates and light intensity increased BVOC emissions. Despite emission measurements reported here were conducted at 30°, and may not directly correspond to emission rates in natural conditions, most of the screened species have never been measured before for BVOC emissions and therefore this information can help understand the drivers of the emissions of BVOCs in bryophytes.

Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change.

Mediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat.

Nitrate pollution reduces bryophyte diversity in Mediterranean springs.

Anthropogenic activities and intensive farming are causing nitrate pollution in groundwater bodies. These aquifers are drained by springs which, in the Mediterranean region, act as refugia for preserving biodiversity of species that need continuous water. Some springs are also used for drinking water for wild animals, livestock and humans, so if their water quality is compromised it can become a threat to public health. However, the impact of nitrate pollution on these biotic communities remains unknown. We sampled 338 assemblages of aquatic and semi-aquatic bryophytes (i.e., hygrophytic mosses and liverworts) growing in springs in a gradient of water conductivity, nitrate concentration and climate and distributed across the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula to investigate the impact of nitrate pollution on the diversity of bryophytes and moss functional traits in Mediterranean springs. Based on previous literature suggesting that increased nitrogen load decreases biodiversity in grasslands and freshwater ecosystems, we hypothesised that water nitrate pollution in springs decreases bryophyte diversity at the local and regional scales. Our results indicated that, at the local scale (spring), nitrate pollution reduced the number and the likelihood of finding a rare species in springs. Rare species were found in 4% of the springs with nitrate above 50 mg L-1 but in 32% of the springs with nitrate below 50 mg L-1. Moss, liverwort and overall bryophyte diversity were not directly affected by nitrate at the local scale but nitrate consistently decreased diversity of mosses, liverworts and rare bryophyte species at the regional scale. We also found that warmer and drier springs presented fewer bryophyte species. Our results show that the combination of nitrate pollution, increasing temperature and drought could severely threaten bryophyte diversity in Mediterranean springs. Our results indicate that the absence of rare bryophytes could be used as a bioindicator of nitrate pollution in springs.

Anatomical assessment of intrathoracic cardiovascular structures using fast spin-echo double inversion recovery and steady-state free precession magnetic resonance imaging in a normal cat.

In human medicine, non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is routinely used to assess the cardiovascular system. In this study, using non-contrast CMRI, we provide a thorough description of the normal appearance of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures in one healthy cat using a magnet operating at a field of 1.5-Tesla. The CMRI protocol was based on the use of fast spin-echo double inversion recovery and steady-state free precession pulse sequences in oblique short-axis, vertical long-axis, and horizontal long-axis imaging planes. After imaging the feline heart, four cadaver cats injected with latex substance into their arterial and venous systems were sectioned to facilitate interpretation of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures to the corresponding CMRI. The fast spin-echo double inversion recovery images showed the best evaluation of gross intrathoracic anatomy, giving excellent contrast of the myocardium and vessels walls as they appeared with intermediate signal intensity compared to the lumen that appeared with low signal intensity. By contrast, steady-state free precession images showed details of the heart cavities and vascular lumen due to the high signal intensity of fast-flowing blood. The results of this study provide some anatomic detail for the heart and associated vessels as seen by non-contrast CMRI in the domestic cat.

Three-dimensional time of flight magnetic resonance angiography of the heart and associated vessels in a cat.

The aim of this study was to describe the normal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the heart and associated vessels in a mature female cat using a 1.5-Tesla magnet. Non-contrast enhanced MRA was performed using a three-dimensional time of flight (TOF) sequence in parasagittal and dorsal aspects. Relevant cardiac and vascular structures were labelled on three-dimensional Time of flight images. Time of flight imaging showed details of the heart cavities and vessels lumen due to the high signal intensity of fast-flowing blood compared with bones, muscles, and lungs, which appeared with low signal intensity. Three-dimensional TOF sequences provided adequate anatomical details of the heart and good differentiation of the vascular structures that could be used for interpretation of cardiac images and to assist in future MRA studies.

Current prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats and humans from the island of Gran Canaria, Spain.

The island of Gran Canaria is a hyperendemic area for canine dirofilariasis. The aim of the present study was to provide data on Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats, and humans on this island in 2010. The data confirms the prevalence in the overall canine population (19%), with a considerably higher prevalence (43%) in the autochthonous breed of Canarian Warren hound. The prevalence in the feline population (33%) is higher than that of the canine population, and the existence of specific D. immitis antibodies in the inhabitants of the island of Gran Canaria (12%) is confirmed. In both cats and humans, the prevalence, according to the different climate areas on the island, is related to the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs in the same area, which shows the key epidemiological role played by the canine host with regard to the transmission to other hosts of D. immitis.

Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: cardiopulmonary biomarker levels.

Cardiopulmonary biomarkers are biological parameters that can be objectively measured and quantified as indicators of pathogenic processes (heartworm disease) or as indicators of response to therapeutic intervention. To determine levels of cardiopulmonary biomarkers in canine dirofilariasis, measurements of cardiac troponin T, cardiac troponin I, myoglobin, and D-dimer concentrations were performed for dogs with and without evidence of adult heartworm infection. The results showed that levels of cardiac troponin T were undetectable in all dogs studied while levels of cardiac troponin I were higher in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis. In healthy dogs, levels of myoglobin and D-dimer were below detection limits of the instrument and were significantly higher in heartworm-infected dogs, notably in microfilaremic dogs. The results suggest the possibility of using troponin I and myoglobin as markers for cardiac damage and the D-dimer as a supportive tool for a diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in dogs with cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis.

Use of cymelarsan in goats chronically infected with Trypanosoma evansi.

Toxicity and therapeutic trials using Cymelarsan (an arsenical compound) against Trypanosoma evansi infection were carried out using chronically infected goats. For the toxicity trial, 40 goats were divided into four groups of 10 animals each; the first three groups received s.c. injections of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg bw of Cymelarsan, respectively, and the last one served as control. No systemic reaction was observed in any goat throughout the experiment. For the therapeutic trial, 15 adult female goats were inoculated intravenously with at least 1 x 10(5)T. evansi isolated in the Canary Islands. Six months after inoculation, the animals were treated with Cymelarsan at single dose of 0.3 mg/kg (5 animals), 0.5 mg/kg (5 animals), and 0.625 mg/kg (5 animals). At 4 and 6 weeks after treatment, two goats belonging to 0.3 mg/kg group showed recurrence of trypanosomes. Parasitemia, however, was negative in all animals belonging to 0.5 and 0.625 mg/kg groups until the end of the experiment (6 months after treatment). Thus, it can be concluded that Cymelarsan is a safe trypanocidal drug for goats and that the curative dose is 0.5 mg/kg or above.

An outbreak of abortions and high neonatal mortality associated with Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedary camels in the Canary Islands.

Trypanosoma evansi was diagnosed for the first time in the Canary Islands (Spain) in 1998 in a dromedary camel. Seroprevalences of 4.8% up to 9% have been observed using different diagnostic methods. Affected animals have been treated but the dissemination of the disease is unknown. This article presents an outbreak of abortions and high neonatal mortality attributable to T. evansi infection in camels as well as the clinical assessment of the affected animals. The patients were diagnosed by routine checking (three pregnant animals), after abortion (five dams), or after delivered premature or weak calves (eight dams). At clinical examination, 2 out of 16 affected animals showed moderate signs of chronic form, particularly hyporexia and intolerance to exercise. The aborted fetuses were aged 6-8 months of gestation, approximately. The main laboratorial findings were regenerative anemia (haemolytic anemia), lymphocytic and monocytic leukocytosis, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoglycaemia, serum urea increased and serum iron decreased. Treatment using trypanocidal drug (Cymelarsan) resulted highly effective. Massive treatment would be recommended in the entire camel population in the Canary Islands (less than 2000 animals), as therapeutic or preventive measure, in order to control and to achieve an eventual eradication of the disease.

Anatomy of the cranioencephalic structures of the camel (Camelus dromedarius L.) by imaging techniques: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

The objective of this study was to define the anatomy of the cranioencephalic structures and associated formations in camel using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MR images were acquired in sagittal, transverse and oblique dorsal planes, using spin-echo techniques, a magnet of 1.5 T and a standard human body coil. MR images were compared with corresponding frozen cross-sections of the head. Different anatomic structures were identified and labelled at each level. The resulting images provided excellent soft tissue contrast and anatomic detail of the brain and associated structures of the camel head. Annotated MR images from this study are intended to be a reference for clinical imaging studies of the head of the dromedary camel.

Congenital duplication of the caudal region (monocephalus dipygus) in a kid goat.

A case of congenital duplication (monocephalus dipygus) in a goat is described. Two pelvis and four pelvic limbs were observed in the kid. Conjoined or fused symmetric twins were diagnosed. Associated abnormalities were cleft palate and anal atresia. Most of the classically recognized teratogens were ruled out by history and serology. However, progenitors were related in the second degree. Thus, genetic factors could be suspected in this case. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of monocephalus dipygus in a goat.

[Predictive capability of the TCI Diprifusor system in patients with terminal chronic renal insufficiency]. / Capacidad predictiva del sistema TCI Diprifusor en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive capability of a target-controlled infusion (TCI) system in patients with terminal chronic renal failure by comparing real drug concentrations with predicted concentrations. METHODS: Forty ASA II-III patients undergoing kidney transplants were enrolled and grouped by age: group A 18-54 years old and group B 55-80 years old. Propofol was administered through the Diprifusor TCI system (Astra Zeneca) with the target concentration of propofol for induction set at 3 micrograms/mL for group A patients and 2.5 micrograms/mL for group B patients. Arterial blood samples were taken for analysis of drug concentrations at the following times: 2 and 5 minutes after starting the infusion; immediately after the incision; before and 5 minutes after increasing or decreasing the target concentration > 25%; before and 5 minutes after switching off the perfusion for surgery; upon eye opening; and 30 minutes after switching off the infusion pump. The predictive capability of the system was determined by performance error (PE). We calculated bias (%, median PE) and accuracy (%, median absolute PE). RESULTS: Twenty group A and 20 group B patients were studied. The median PEs in groups A and B, respectively, were -3.45 (-20.3-28.4) and -1.1 (-19.7-15.4). Median absolute PEs were 21.2 (11.9-45.1) and 16.3 (11.5-27.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the predictive capability of the Diprifusor pharmacokinetic model is acceptable in patients with terminal kidney failure, given the minor bias of 10% to 20% and the degree of accuracy between 20% and 40%.

Capacidad predictiva del sistema TC1 Diprifusor en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal / Predictive capability of the Diprifusor targetcontrolled infusion system in patients with terminal chronic renal failure

OBJETIVO: Valorar la capacidad predictiva de la infusión de propofol controlada por ordenador (TCI) en pacientes con insuficiencia renal terminal, comparando la concentración real del fármaco con la concentración prevista. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 40 pacientes, clasificados ASA II-III, sometidos a trasplante renal, agrupados en dos grupos de edad: A)18-54 años y B) 55-80 años. La administración de propofol se realizó con el sistema "Diprifusor TCI"® de Zeneca. La concentración diana de propofol para la inducción fue de 3 yg/ml en pacientes del grupo A y 2,5 Yg/ml en los del B. Las muestras de sangre arterial para analizar la concentración plasmática de propofol se tomaron en los intervalos: -A los 2 y 5 minutos de iniciar la perfusión, -Inmediatamente posterior a la incisión quirúrgica, -Antes y 5 minutos después de aumentar/disminuir la concentración diana > 25 por ciento, -Antes y a los 5 minutos después de cerrar la perfusión de la cirugía, -A la apertura de los ojos, y; -A los 30 minutos de cerrar la perfusión. La capacidad predictiva fue determinada en base del error predictivo (El?). Se determinó el sesgo ( por ciento, mediana del error predictivo, MDEP) y la exactitud ( por ciento, mediana absoluta del error predictivo, MDAEP). RESULTADOS: Fueron estudiados 20 pacientes en el grupo A y 20 en el B. Los valores de MDEP fueron -3,45 (-20,3 - 28,4) y -1,1 (-19,7 - 15,4) respectivamente. Los valores de MDAEP fueron 21,2 (11,9 - 45,1) y 16,3 (11,5 - 27,4) respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados indican que la capacidad predictiva del modelo farmacocinético del Diprifusor es aceptable en pacientes con insuficiencia renal terminal, alcanzando valores de sesgo menores del 10-20 por ciento y de exactitud entre 20 por ciento y 40 por ciento (AU)

Silica urolithiasis in the dromedary camel in a subtropical climate.

In 1998, two cases of silica urolithiasis occurred in castrated male dromedaries on an intensive camel farm in the Canary Islands. The immediate attributable cause was the ingestion of large amounts of silica in the feed, estimated as 84.44 g/day. An associated cause was the low level of salt in the diet. Daily ingestion of salt from feed and water was estimated to be 21.8 g (8.6 g of sodium). Seventy-six castrated males from the same farm were divided into four groups: group A received 30 g of salt daily; group B received 40 g; group C received 60 g; and group D received no added salt in the diet (control). The animals were maintained on these dietary regimes for 2 years. No animals from groups A, B or C suffered overt urinary retention. One animal from group D had an obstructive urinary retention 10 months after the study commenced. Thus, 52 g of salt daily appears to be sufficient to prevent urinary retention in dromedaries raised in a subtropical climate.

Uterine prolapse in 2 dromedary camels.

Two cases of uterine prolapse in dromedary camels in a herd with concomitant cases of white muscle disease are described. Serum selenium and glutathione peroxidase in whole blood were investigated in both patients and showed statistical difference compared with a control group. Results suggest that selenium deficiency could promote uterine prolapse in dromedary camels.

Assessment of blood glutathione peroxidase activity in the dromedary camel.

Blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in 709 normal dromedary camels (442 females and 267 males) were assessed in the Canary Islands. All animals were intensively reared, and three different nutritional systems were evaluated, depending on selenium content of the diet. Mean GSH-Px level in the total population was 288.5+/-157.2 IU x g(-1) Hb. Reference ranges were estimated and enzymatic activities below 51 IU x g(-1) Hb were considered inadequate. GSH-Px activities obtained in females (298.1+/-155.7 IU x g(-1) Hb) were significantly (P = 0.037) higher than in males (272.6+/-157.2 IU x g(-1) Hb). When age groups were compared, only males between 6 and 12 months old exhibited significantly lower mean GSH-Px (P = 0.006) than females. A high correlation (r = 0.88) between serum selenium concentration and blood GSH-Px activity was estimated, and the regression equation was y = 2.5101x + 42.423. Selenium content of the diet above 0.1 mg x kg(-1) DM seems to supply adequate selenium requirements for dromedaries under intensive husbandry.