Fungal flora of the hair coat of Persian squirrel ( Sciurus anomalus ) with and without skin lesion in Tehran, Iran

Seasonal variation of aerosol fungal community structure in reed constructed wetlands

In recent years, the impact of biological aerosols produced by sewage treatment plants on air quality and human health has become a hot spot of concern. Airborne fungi were characterized via KC-1000 large-flow air sampler and Anderson-type six-stage sampler, at free surface flowing reed constructed wetland located in Qingdao City, Shandong Province. The high-throughput sequencing technology and fungal culture-dependent method were selected to analyze the composition and dynamic changes of the fungal community attached to the atmospheric particulate matter in the free surface flow constructed wetland. The results showed that the aerosol concentration of fungi in the constructed wetlands varied from 587 to approximately 3382 CFU m^-3, with a peak at the range of 1.10 to 2.10 μm particle size, and the particles (< 4.70 μm) that easily entered the lungs accounted for 57.03 ~ 96.03%. Significant seasonal differences in fungal richness and community diversity were found. The particle size distribution of fungi in atmospheric particles was not obvious. Fungal genera in the atmospheric particulate matter were mainly driven by humidity. However, other factors, i.e., temperature, NO₂, SO₂, and PM₁₀ contents, also contributed.

B, J S, R. A. A Retrospective Study on 1587 Exotic Pets Presented to The Small Animal Veterinary Hospital, University of Tehran

In recent decades, exotic pets are increasingly invited to homes with a wide range of variation in species and requirements that are more specialized. During a one-year period, 2408 exotic animals admitted to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital, University of Tehran were assessed. Rabbits, hamsters, squirrels, turtles/tortoises, guinea pigs, lizards, hedgehogs, reindeer, monkeys, and snakes were referred, respectively. Owner referral cause and their gender in addition to the disease diagnosis were analyzed. While no statistical significance (P>0.05) was observed in the total number of men and women presenting these animals, gender-based preferences were spotted for owning specific types of animal species in this study (P<0.05). Furthermore, analysis showed that snakes and rabbits were more commonly (P<0.05) presented for checkup; while chelonians, lizards, hedgehogs, and monkeys were more presented with health problems (P<0.05). Other animals’ results did not show statistically significant difference for admission reasons (P>0.05). The health record assessment included 1587 animals with complete health files. The most common diseases diagnosed in most of these animals were metabolic bone disease/musculoskeletal problems and dental problems. In addition, eye problems in chelonians and urinary problems in hedgehogs were the most common diagnosis of those species. In conclusion, since the most common health problems of most participating animals were associated with mismanagement and inappropriate diet, it is highly recommended that owners be thoroughly educated by veterinarians to reduce the possibility of such conditions in exotic captive animals.