Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and foxes in the Zanjan province of Iran: With an emphasis on Echinococcus species.

Canids harbor many zoonotic parasites and play an important role in the spread of parasites in the human environment. Estimation of parasitic infection among canids as definitive hosts may help competent authorities design efficient control programs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and foxes with an emphasis on Echinococcus spp. A total of 500 fecal samples of dogs and 30 fecal samples of foxes were studied in the summer, autumn, and winter of 2021 in the Zanjan province using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, followed by multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was estimated to be 19.05%. The prevalence was 24.8%, 10.2%, and 26.7% in stray, shelter dogs and foxes, respectively. No parasites were found among pet and guard dog samples. PCR results on Taenidae eggs showed that 2.4% of samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus and none contained E. multilocularis. Noteworthy is that E. granulosus was identified only in stray dog samples. The higher prevalence of E. granulosus infection in stray dogs in this province emphasizes the importance of monitoring the food sources consumed by these animals.

The evaluation of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in hospital air, their antibiotic resistance and sensitivity of S. aureus to cefoxitin.

Staphylococci as a nosocomial infection agent, increases the possibility of contracting diseases such as wound infection, sepsis and skin infections in humans. It was shown that Staphylococcus aureus considered as a commensal organism causing various both endemic and epidemic hospital-acquired infections. Air samples were collected from Sina Hospital, Hamadan city, which dedicated to various respiratory diseases and analysed by biochemical tests. The resistance and sensitivity of bacterial strains to the cefoxitin antibiotic were also determined. Staphylococcus aureus density (CFU/m3) were measured in the air of various wards as follows: infectious 13.35 ± 7.57, poisoning 29.84 ± 33.43, emergency 8.64 ± 2.72, eye operation room 0, recovery room 6.28 ± 4.90, skin outpatient operation room 4.71 ± 2.36, respiratory isolation 0, ICU 0.79 ± 1.36, and the administrative room 6.28 ± 5.93; while the Staphylococcus epidermidis were as follows: infectious 1.57 ± 2.35, poisoning 2.35 ± 4.08, emergency 2.35 ± 2.35, eye operation room 0, recovery room 0.78 ± 1.36, skin outpatient operation room 2.35 ± 2.35, respiratory isolation 0, ICU 2.35 ± 4.08, and the administrative room 1.57 ± 1.36. The positive and negative control samples showed a concentration of 0. Moreover, among the S. aureus isolates, 33.3% were found to be resistant to cefoxitin, while 40.6% showed to be sensitive. Based on the results, the number of active people and the type and quality of ventilation are very effective in the air quality of various wards of hospital. The poisoning section showed the most contaminated air and the highest resistance and sensitivity to the cefoxitin antibiotic.

Molecular detection of Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from China.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recognized as natural reservoirs for multiple pathogens and a source of infection for domestic animals, wildlife and humans. To date, no reports are available on the Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis infection in red foxes from China. In 2018-2022, a total of 16 red foxes were sampled in two counties and a city in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwest China. Subsequently analyzed by DNA extraction amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the present study, based on nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses, B. rochalimae and H. canis were molecularly identified in red foxes. Our findings provide the first molecular evidence of B. rochalimae and H. canis in red foxes from China.

Effects of resource availability and interspecific interactions on Arctic and red foxes' winter use of ungulate carrion in the Fennoscandian low-Arctic tundra.

In the Arctic tundra, predators face recurrent periods of food scarcity and often turn to ungulate carcasses as an alternative food source. As important and localized resource patches, carrion promotes co-occurrence of different individuals, and its use by predators is likely to be affected by interspecific competition. We studied how interspecific competition and resource availability impact winter use of carrion by Arctic and red foxes in low Arctic Fennoscandia. We predicted that the presence of red foxes limits Arctic foxes' use of carrion, and that competition depends on the availability of other resources. We monitored Arctic and red fox presence at supp lied carrion using camera traps. From 2006 to 2021, between 16 and 20 cameras were active for 2 months in late winter (288 camera-winters). Using a multi-species dynamic occupancy model at a week-to-week scale, we evaluated the use of carrion by foxes while accounting for the presence of competitors, rodent availability, and supplemental feeding provided to Arctic foxes. Competition affected carrion use by increasing both species' probability to leave occupied carcasses between consecutive weeks. This increase was similar for the two species, suggesting symmetrical avoidance. Increased rodent abundance was associated with a higher probability of colonizing carrion sites for both species. For Arctic foxes, however, this increase was only observed at carcasses unoccupied by red foxes, showing greater avoidance when alternative preys are available. Supplementary feeding increased Arctic foxes' carrion use, regardless of red fox presence. Contrary to expectations, we did not find strong signs of asymmetric competition for carrion in winter, which suggests that interactions for resources at a short time scale are not necessarily aligned with interactions at the scale of the population. In addition, we found that competition for carcasses depends on the availability of other resources, suggesting that interactions between predators depend on the ecological context.

A Chymist Among Beasts: Reading Paracelsus Literally (with a translation of De lunaticis, chapter two).

Paracelsus is an extraordinarily difficult author to interpret, in part because of the seemingly elusive boundary between literal and metaphorical levels of meaning in his work. The present paper argues for a literal reading of Paracelsus, based on comments that he makes in his late Philosophia de divinis operibus & factis & de secretis naturae. The article also includes a translated chapter from one of the treatises in that work, De lunaticis.

Economic valuation of a mesocarnivore's impact management.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have interacted with humans during their common history. We used a contingent valuation method to assess the economic value of the management of this mesocarnivore's negative impacts. We carried out face-to-face interviews with 746 Greek residents, using a multiple-bounded discrete choice approach to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for red fox management under three impact situations: attack domestic animals, reduce game, carry disease. About 51.9%, 33.0%, and 81.1% of the respondents stated a mean WTP of €34.1, €44.9, and €72.1 for each situation, respectively. The total annual amounts of €18.7 million, €15.7 million, and €61.7 million could be collected from the target population for red fox management when they attack domestic animals, reduce game, and carry disease, respectively. Attitudes and likeability toward foxes were negatively associated while knowledge about foxes and fear of them were positively associated with WTP. The younger, richer, less educated, rural, farmers, hunters, and pet owners were generally more willing to pay for red fox management across situations. Females were more willing to pay for managing predation on domestic animals, while males were more willing to pay for managing predation on game. Our findings showed that the Greek residents highly value the management of red foxes in all impact situations and would be valuable for further advising the management process.

Patagonian partnerships: the extinct Dusicyon avus and its interaction with prehistoric human communities.

The southern Mendoza province, located in the northern region of Patagonia, was inhabited by hunter-gatherer groups until historic times. Previous archaeological studies have reported canid remains among faunal assemblages, which were assumed to be part of the human diet. However, the taxonomic identification and significance of these canids within human groups have raised questions. In this study, we used ancient DNA analysis, morphological examination and stable isotope analysis (δ13Ccol and δ15N) to re-evaluate the taxonomic assignment of a canid discovered at the Late Holocene burial site of Cañada Seca. Previous morphological identifications suggested that it belonged to the genus Lycalopex, but our results conclusively demonstrate that the individual belongs to the extinct fox species Dusicyon avus. This finding expands Dusicyon avus' known geographical distribution to Patagonia's northern extremity. Furthermore, statistical predictions based on genetic divergence undermine the hypothesis that hybridization between Canis and Dusicyon, facilitated by the introduction of domestic dogs, played a role in the extinction of Dusicyon species. On the other hand, our findings indicate that a Dusicyon avus individual shared a similar diet and was probably buried alongside humans, suggesting a close relationship between the two species during their lives and deaths.

First record of Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) in the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus, Fischer, 1814) (Carnivora: Canidae).

Dioctophyme renale (Goeze 1782) has not previously been reported in the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) (Fisher 1814), the most abundant canid of southern South America. A wild adult pampas fox female was found dead due to unknown causes in Santa Fe province, Argentina. Post-mortem examination revealed three red worms measuring 10, 11 and 15 cm long, each with an approximate width of 5 mm. All of them were found free in the abdominal cavity. The worms were all male and were identified through morphological examination and molecular analysis as D. renale. No worm was found in the kidneys. This study reports the first case of dioctophymatosis in the pampas fox in Argentina, increasing the range of wild aberrant host species infected by the giant kidney worm in the Neotropical region.

Hair removal laser-induced Fox-Fordyce disease emerging on the axillary and pubic areas: Report of a case and review of literature.

Key Clinical Message: Fox-Fordyce disease is a recognized adverse effect of depilating lasers. It should be considered among the differential diagnoses of the pruritic perifollicular papules that occur at the hair removal laser treatment site, including Alex/Diode laser. Abstract: Fox-Fordyce disease (FFD) is an uncommon skin disorder affecting the apocrine sweat glands and presents as pruritic skin-colored papules, mainly on the axillary and pubic areas. Some predisposing factors are proposed, including hormonal changes. A few cases of FFD have been reported after hair removal by light- and laser-assisted devices. Herein, we report FFD in some areas (axillary and pubic areas) treated with Alex/Diode hair removal laser.

ROS Detection and Quantification in Plant-Nematode Interactions.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation is one of the earliest hallmarks upon successful pathogen recognition in plants. H2O2 is considered the most important ROS in plant defense considering its relatively high stability and capacity to cross long distances in the plant. However, ROS also play roles in cell development and could hence facilitate nematode feeding site development. Several methods to analyze the cellular redox state exist, among which ROS detection and quantification and the evaluation of ROS scavenging enzyme activity (peroxidase activity, catalase activity, etc.). Here, we describe DAB staining, which is used to detect and localize ROS in planta upon an external trigger. Furthermore, ROS quantification using the FOX assay is described. Both methods have been used extensively in research and yield repeatable results in various plants.

Influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematodes in the red fox in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula.

Human-induced ecosystem fragmentation is one of the drivers causing wildlife migration from their natural habitats to urban areas, among other reasons. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most abundant wild canid in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Water scarcity may result in areas shared by synanthropic fox populations and domestic animals becoming hotspots for parasite transmission. This study describes the gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematode species affecting fox populations in these semi-arid areas and the influence of environmental variables on parasite abundance. A total of 167 foxes collected from 2015 to 2021 in the Region of Murcia (SE Spain) were analysed. Parasite abundance and spatial distribution were evaluated using environmental variables and host characteristics with a Generalised Linear Model and the Moran index. Eleven species (seven from the gastrointestinal tract and four from the cardiopulmonary tract) were described. The influence of biotic and abiotic variables was studied for Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Temperature, humidity and areas of forest or agricultural land influenced the abundance of these parasites, providing optimal conditions for free-living stages of the direct life cycle nematodes and intermediate hosts. Absolute abundance distribution maps showed defined locations for C. vulpis, T. canis and T. leonina. The results for U. stenocephala, T. canis and T. leonina were particularly important as their higher abundance levels were found close to anthropized areas, which need to be carefully evaluated to prevent transmission of these nematodes between domestic and wild canids and human health.

Assessing the role of individual foxes in environmental contamination with Echinococcus multilocularis through faecal samples.

Key parasite transmission parameters are difficult to obtain from elusive wild animals. For Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), the red fox is responsible for most of the environmental contamination in Europe. The identification of individual spreaders of E. multilocularis environmental contamination is crucial to improving our understanding of the ecology of parasite transmission in areas of high endemicity and optimising the effectiveness of prevention and control measures in the field. Genetic faecal sampling appears to be a feasible method to gain information about the faecal deposition of individual animals. We conducted a 4 year faecal sampling study in a village that is highly endemic for E. multilocularis, to assess the feasibility of individual identification and sexing of foxes to describe individual infection patterns. Individual fox identification from faecal samples was performed by obtaining reliable genotypes from 14 microsatellites and one sex locus, coupled with the detection of E. multilocularis DNA, first using captive foxes and then by environmental sampling. From a collection of 386 fox stools collected between 2017 and 2020, tested for the presence of E. multilocularis DNA, 180 were selected and 124 samples were successfully genotyped (68.9%). In total, 45 unique individual foxes were identified and 26 associated with at least one sample which tested positive for E. multilocularis (Em(+)). Estimation of the population size showed the fox population to be between 29 and 34 individuals for a given year and 67 individuals over 4 years. One-third of infected individuals (9/26 Em(+) foxes) deposited 2/3 of the faeces which tested positive for E. multilocularis (36/60 Em(+) stools). Genetic investigation showed a significantly higher average number of multiple stools for females than males, suggesting that the two sexes potentially defecated unequally in the studied area. Three partially overlapping clusters of fox faeces were found, with one cluster concentrating 2/3 of the total E. multilocularis-positive faeces. Based on these findings, we estimated that 12.5 million E. multilocularis eggs were produced during the study period, emphasizing the high contamination level of the environment and the risk of exposure faced by the parasite hosts.

Versatile ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay for high-throughput screening of lipoxygenase activity.

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) catalyze dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into fatty acid hydroperoxides (FAHPs), which can be further transformed into a number of value-added compounds. LOXs have garnered interest as biocatalysts for various industrial applications. Therefore, a high-throughput LOX activity assay is essential to evaluate their performance under different conditions. This study aimed to enhance the suitability of the ferrous-oxidized xylenol orange (FOX) assay for screening LOX activity across a wide pH range with different PUFAs. The narrow linear detection range of the standard FOX assay restricts its utility in screening LOX activity. To address this, the concentration of perchloric acid in the xylenol orange reagent was adjusted. The modified assay exhibited a fivefold expansion in the linear detection range for hydroperoxides and accommodated samples with pH values ranging from 3 to 10. The assay could quantify various hydroperoxide species, indicating its applicability in assessing LOX substrate preferences. Due to sensitivity to pH, buffer types, and hydroperoxide species, the assay required calibration using the respective standard compound diluted in the same buffer as the measured sample. The use of correction factors is suggested when financial constraints limit the use of FAHP standard compounds in routine LOX substrate preference analysis. FAHP quantification by the modified FOX assay aligned well with results obtained using the commonly used conjugated diene method, while offering a quicker and broader sample pH range assessment. Thus, the modified FOX assay can be used as a reliable high-throughput screening method for determining LOX activity. KEY POINTS: • Modifying perchloric acid level in FOX reagent expands its linear detection range • The modified FOX assay is applicable for screening LOX activity in a wide pH range • The modified FOX assay effectively assesses substrate specificity of LOX.

Chromosome-level assembly of the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) confirms the basal loss of PRDM9 in Canidae.

Reference genome assemblies have been created from multiple lineages within the Canidae family; however, despite its phylogenetic relevance as a basal genus within the clade, there is currently no reference genome for the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Here, we present a chromosome-level assembly for the gray fox (U. cinereoargenteus), which represents the most contiguous, non-domestic canid reference genome available to date, with 90% of the genome contained in just 34 scaffolds and a contig N50 and scaffold N50 of 59.4 and 72.9 Megabases, respectively. Repeat analyses identified an increased number of simple repeats relative to other canids. Based on mitochondrial DNA, our Vermont sample clusters with other gray fox samples from the northeastern United States and contains slightly lower levels of heterozygosity than gray foxes on the west coast of California. This new assembly lays the groundwork for future studies to describe past and present population dynamics, including the delineation of evolutionarily significant units of management relevance. Importantly, the phylogenetic position of Urocyon allows us to verify the loss of PRDM9 functionality in the basal canid lineage, confirming that pseudogenization occurred at least 10 million years ago.

New species in the genera Eumacrocyrtus Schultze, 1923 and Enoplocyrtus Yoshitake, 2017 from Luzon Island, Philippines (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini).

We describe and illustrate two new species from two previously monotypic genera Eumacrocyrtus Schultze, 1923 and Enoplocyrtus Yoshitake, 2017 from Luzon Island, Philippines: Eumacrocyrtusrobertfoxisp. nov., and Enoplocyrtusangelalcalaisp. nov.Eumacrocyrtusrobertfoxisp. nov. serves as a new record for Luzon Island for Eumacrocyrtus which was only previously represented by E.canlaonensis Schultze, 1923 from Negros Island whereas Enoplocyrtusangelalcalaisp. nov. serves as an additional record of Enoplocyrtus in Mountain Province in Luzon Island. The discovery of these two new species from the Zoological Collections of the Philippine National Museum, collected in 1947 and 1985, respectively, highlights the value of natural history collections for the present and future generations of researchers.

Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistance Carriage in Koalas (Phascolarctos Cinereus) and Pteropid Bats (Pteropus Poliocephalus) Before, During and After Wildfires.

In the 2019-2020 summer, wildfires decimated the Australian bush environment and impacted wildlife species, including koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) and grey headed flying fox pups (Pteropid bats, Pteropus poliocephalus). Consequently, hundreds of koalas and thousands of bat pups entered wildlife hospitals with fire-related injuries/illness, where some individuals received antimicrobial therapy. This study investigated the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pre-fire, fire-affected and post-fire koalas and Pteropid bat pups. PCR and DNA sequencing were used to screen DNA samples extracted from faeces (koalas and bats) and cloacal swabs (koalas) for class 1 integrons, a genetic determinant of AMR, and to identify integron-associated antibiotic resistance genes. Class 1 integrons were detected in 25.5% of koalas (68 of 267) and 59.4% of bats (92 of 155). Integrons contained genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, trimethoprim and beta-lactams. Samples were also screened for blaTEM (beta-lactam) resistance genes, which were detected in 2.6% of koalas (7 of 267) and 25.2% of bats (39 of 155). Integron occurrence was significantly higher in fire-affected koalas in-care compared to wild pre-fire koalas (P < 0.0001). Integron and blaTEM occurrence were not significantly different in fire-affected bats compared to pre-fire bats (P > 0.05), however, their occurrence was significantly higher in fire-affected bats in-care compared to wild fire-affected bats (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0488 respectively). The observed shifts of AMR dynamics in wildfire-impacted species flags the need for judicious antibiotic use when treating fire-affected wildlife to minimise unwanted selective pressure and negative treatment outcomes associated with carriage of resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Pteropox infection in a juvenile grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus).

A juvenile grey-headed flying fox (GHFF) (Pteropus poliocephalus) presented to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after a wildlife carer found the animal hanging on the outside of an aviary. On presentation, the animal was emaciated and moribund with disseminated, multifocal, depigmented and proliferative lesions on the wing membranes and skin of the neck. Histopathology revealed multiple, well-circumscribed proliferative epidermal lesions with intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. A poxvirus was identified via transmission electron microscopy and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Analysis of sequences obtained demonstrated 99% nucleotide identity to Pteropox virus strain Australia (GenBank KU980965). To the authors' knowledge, this paper describes the first case of Pteropox virus infection in a GHFF.

Study of Canine Distemper Virus Presence in Catalonia's Wild Carnivores through H Gene Amplification and Sequencing.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is recognised worldwide as an important pathogen in both domestic and wild carnivores. Few data are available on its impact and spread on the wildlife/wildlife-domestic animal-environment interface. This study, aimed at developing a conservation-oriented control strategy, analysed 89 sick or deceased animals from 2019 to 2023 at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Torreferrussa. RT-PCR and sequencing of the partial H gene were used to detect and analyse CDV in tissues. The total positive percentage was 20.22% (18/89), comprising 13 red foxes (44.8%), 4 European badgers (28.6%), and 1 American mink (4.5%), while 24 Eurasian otters tested negative. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all of the CDV strains belong to the European lineage. Geographically distant individuals and different species shared the same viral strain, suggesting a strong capacity of CDV for interspecies and long-distance transmission. This calls for further research, particularly focusing on potential impacts of CDV on endangered carnivores.

Tumor and Tumor-like Lesions in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Croatia.

The red fox, found on all continents except Antarctica, occupies diverse habitats. In Croatia, it is an indigenous wild species with a population density of 0.7 animals per square kilometer. While tumors in wild animals from the Canidae family are scarce, the true prevalence and diversity of tumors are likely underestimated due to limited research. So far, a limited number of tumors have been observed among the red fox population, either in their natural habitat or in captivity. As part of the National Rabies Control Program, we examined 1890 red fox carcasses over a four-year period. Our focus was on identifying abnormalities on the skin and internal organs that suggest potential neoplastic proliferation. Five red foxes, three males and two females, were found to have growths resembling potential tumors. Their age distribution spanned from 2 to 7 years. Microscopic investigation revealed two collagenous hamartomas, two Meibomian gland adenomas, and one intra-abdominal teratoma within a cryptorchid testis. This retrospective study aims to provide a comprehensive description of tumor and tumor-like lesions observed in free-range red foxes from Croatia, marking the first research of its kind in Croatia.

S-shaped grey wolf optimizer-based FOX algorithm for feature selection.

The FOX algorithm is a recently developed metaheuristic approach inspired by the behavior of foxes in their natural habitat. While the FOX algorithm exhibits commendable performance, its basic version, in complex problem scenarios, may become trapped in local optima, failing to identify the optimal solution due to its weak exploitation capabilities. This research addresses a high-dimensional feature selection problem. In feature selection, the most informative features are retained while discarding irrelevant ones. An enhanced version of the FOX algorithm is proposed, aiming to mitigate its drawbacks in feature selection. The improved approach referred to as S-shaped Grey Wolf Optimizer-based FOX (FOX-GWO), which focuses on augmenting the local search capabilities of the FOX algorithm via the integration of GWO. Additionally, the introduction of an S-shaped transfer function enables the population to explore both binary options throughout the search process. Through a series of experiments on 18 datasets with varying dimensions, FOX-GWO outperforms in 83.33 % of datasets for average accuracy, 61.11 % for reduced feature dimensionality, and 72.22 % for average fitness value across the 18 datasets. Meaning it efficiently explores high-dimensional spaces. These findings highlight its practical value and potential to advance feature selection in complex data analysis, enhancing model prediction accuracy.