Heavy metals and metalloids in wild boars (Sus Scrofa) - a silent but serious public health hazard

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are part of the hunting economy and are highly consumed in the Iberian Peninsula, including in the Castile and Leon regions. As zoonotic diseases, chemical pollutants in wild boars' internal tissues should be interpreted as evidence of environmental contamination and a matter of concern for animal, human and ecosystem health; in other words, a One Health concern. Twenty-eight wild boars' livers and kidneys (n = 28) from Castile and Leon were submitted to metal(loid) determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) and histopathological exam. Cd levels, especially in the kidneys (7.063 ± 7.271 mg/kg dw), were the most concerning results, considering the calculated maximum values for consumption (EC No. 915/2023) (2.491 mg/kg dw or 1.0 mg/kg ww). Wild boars with hydropic changes in the liver presented higher concentrations of Ni. Thus, the metal(loid) contamination of wild boar carcasses seems to be a "no trace" but very relevant problem that should raise awareness of a more accurate monitoring program and other strategies to avoid public health consequences.

The first full study of heavy metal(loid)s in western-European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Portugal

The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivore with a wide distribution in Portugal and a potential tool for biomonitoring relevant One Health hazards, including heavy metal(loid)s' pollution. The aim of this study was to positively contribute to the current knowledge about the metal(loid) pollution in Portugal. Forty-six hedgehogs (from rescue centres; with known provenance) were necropsied. Sex, age category and weight were determined. Spines, liver and kidney were collected, and metalloid concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). In general, results did not present alarming metal(loid) concentrations, with the exception of cadmium (Cd) (in the kidneys) and copper (Cu). Hedgehogs from Viana do Castelo and Viseu showed elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) and Castelo Branco presented concerning values of cadmium (Cd). Adult and heavier hedgehogs tended to present higher levels of metal(loid)s. Sex does not seem to significantly affect the metal(loid)s' concentrations. Further analysis would be needed to prioritize areas with detail and allow the application of the necessary mitigation strategies.

High Levels of Heavy Metal(loid)s Related to Biliary Hyperplasia in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

Heavy metal(loid) pollution of ecosystems is a current One Health problem. The liver is one of the most affected organs in cases of acute or chronic exposure to abnormal amounts of these substances, inducing histopathologic lesions. In order to assess the influence of heavy metal(loids), forty-five European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were submitted to necropsy, and liver samples were collected for a routine histopathology exam and metal(loid)s determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Pb) by ICP-MS. Age was estimated during the necropsy exam. Biliary hyperplasia was the most frequent lesion observed (16/45; 35.56%). No statistically significant associations were found between biliary hyperplasia and age or sex. Metal(loid)s' concentrations were higher in animals with biliary hyperplasia (except for As). There was a statistically significant difference for both Cd and Co. For As, Cd and Co, cubs and juveniles animals showed significantly lower concentrations than elder individuals. Only for Pb were significant differences found between females and males. As described in the literature, exposure to metal(loid)s may be a cause of biliary hyperplasia, although further research (including the use of biochemical methods) is needed to support these results. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this association in hedgehogs.

Do Urban Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Represent a Relevant Source of Zoonotic Diseases?

Urban fauna is defined as animal species that can live in urban environments. Several species, including the western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), have now been identified as part of this urban fauna, becoming permanent residents of parks and gardens in different cities across Europe. Due to the importance that this phenomenon represents for zoonotic disease surveillance, several authors have been conducting zoonotic agents' surveys on hedgehog. The aim of this study is to compare zoonotic diseases' prevalence in hedgehogs in urban environments with those from more rural areas. A systematic review with meta-analysis of twelve studied of zoonotic diseases' (in urban and rural areas of Europe) was therefore conducted for this purpose. Fifteen different zoonoses have been assessed in urban environments and six in rural areas. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was the most prevalent zoonotic agent found in urban habitats (96%). Dermatophytosis shows statistically significant differences between locations (p-value < 0.001), with a higher prevalence in urban Poland (55%; n = 182). Our results suggest further research and a standardized monitoring of different hedgehog populations are essential to understanding the epidemiology of several zoonotic pathogens in different habitat types (urban, rural, natural, industrial, etc.) and preventing possible disease outbreaks.

Effects of testosterone and exercise training on bone microstructure of rats

Background and Aim:

Male hypogonadism results from failure to produce physiological levels of testosterone. Testosterone in men is essential in masculine development, sperm production, and adult man’s health. Osteoporosis is one of the consequences of hypogonadism. Regular physical exercise and exogenous testosterone administration are frequently used to prevent or treat this condition. This study aimed to understand the effects of lifelong exercise training and testosterone levels (isolated and together) in the main bone structure parameters.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 24 rats were used and randomly divided into four groups: Control group (CG; n=6), exercised group (EG, n=6), testosterone group (TG, n=6), and testosterone EG (TEG, n=6). A micro-computed tomography equipment was used to evaluate 15 bone parameters.

Results:

Both factors (exercise training and testosterone) seem to improve the bone resistance and microstructure, although in different bone characteristics. Testosterone influenced trabecular structure parameters, namely, connectivity density, trabecular number, and trabecular space. The exercise promoted alterations in bone structure as well, although, in most cases, in different bone structure parameters as bone mineral density and medullar mineral density.

Conclusion:

Overall, exercise and testosterone therapy seems to have a synergistic contribution to the general bone structure and resistance. Further studies are warranted, comparing different individual factors, as gender, lifestyle, or testosterone protocols, to constantly improve the medical management of hypogonadism (and osteoporosis).

Biomonitoring metals and metalloids in wild mammals: invasive versus non-invasive sampling

Heavy metal and metalloid pollution is a matter of concern in animal, human and environmental health (One Health) and also in wildlife conservation worldwide. Studying wild mammals in toxicology has been contributing significantly to our knowledge, namely to find out the most critical regions, to understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena or to evaluate their toxic effects. However, not all the animal tissues and organs provide the same information or should be interpreted in the same way. The best sample to use will depend on the objectives and conditions of the study. This review aims to compare invasive and non-invasive samples to biomonitor heavy metals, providing a brief resume of their advantages, limitations and examples of use. Further research, using a wider range of mammalian species, is required to establish what information can be obtained in biomonitoring studies that use non-invasive samples (such as hair, faeces and parasites) and/or invasive samples (such as blood, liver, kidney, bone and other organs).

Inpatient dermatology consultations in a tertiary care hospital in Spain: A retrospective study of 750 patients

OBJECTIVE

Medical consultations are a healthcare task that is generally undervalued and understudied. The main objective of this study was to describe and analyse the consultations requested of dermatology departments and the aspects that are involve in resolving the consultations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted an observational retrospective study that collected the consultations for patients hospitalised over a period of 36 months. We analysed variables related to the management of patients and the quality of the care.

RESULTS

The study included 750 patients with a mean age of 64.85 (±20.23) years. The medical departments requested the most consultations, mainly internal medicine departments (37.9%). The most common topic for the consultations was inflammatory dermatoses (36.2%). The most common individual diagnosis was drug rash (8.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Consultation activities have a significant impact on the management of hospitalised patients, resulting in improved quality of care and reduced healthcare costs. These activities are also of training value for resident physicians.

Lower urinary tract symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: Urodynamic evolution before and after one year of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical evolution and the urodynamic behaviour of several lower tract urinary symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome before and after the treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed; patients with recent diagnosis of sleep apnea confirmed by nocturnal sleep polygraphy and absence of medical urological past history. In order to discard important lower urinary tract conditions, urological examinations were previously performed. Urinary symptoms were evaluated using the IPSS and OAB-V8 validated questionnaires, three-day Bladder Diary and invasive urodynamic examinations with a gap of one year before and one year after using the CPAP.

RESULTS

84 urodynamic studies were carried out in 43 patients. The IPSS score decreased by 3.58 points. The OAB-V8 score decreased by 2.87 points. Nocturia episodes decreased to one per night. The percentage of patients with nocturnal polyuria went down to 26%. The bladder compliance significantly increased (97.39 vs 200.40ml/cm H2O). The presence of detrusor overactivity decreased from 11 (before CPAP) to 5 patients (after CPAP).

CONCLUSION

The proper treatment with CPAP showed a statistical and clinical improvement of several LUTS with limited urodynamic modifications.

Anatomy and Imaging of Rat Prostate: Practical Monitoring in Experimental Cancer-Induced Protocols

The rat has been frequently used as a model to study several human diseases, including cancer. In many research protocols using cancer models, researchers find it difficult to perform several of the most commonly used techniques and to compare their results. Although the protocols for the study of carcinogenesis are based on the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of organs, few studies focus on the use of imaging. The use of imaging modalities to monitor the development of cancer avoids the need for intermediate sacrifice to assess the status of induced lesions, thus reducing the number of animals used in experiments. Our work intends to provide a complete and systematic overview of rat prostate anatomy and imaging, facilitating the monitoring of prostate cancer development through different imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistochemistry of primary vertebral hemangiosarcoma in a dog and implications for diagnosis and therapy

A vertebral mass in a dog with an acute onset paraparesis was identified by magnetic resonance imaging. A poorly differentiated hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase could be a new differential marker for poorly differentiated hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Immunohistochemical detection of p53 phosphorylated at Serine³⁹², p53, CD117, and CD44 suggest targets for design of therapeutic strategies.

Safety and Efficacy of New Sirolimus-eluting Stent Models in a Preclinical Study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Initial preclinical studies are required during the process of improving polymers, platforms, and drug-eluting systems for new coronary stent designs. Our objective was to analyze the efficacy and safety of new drug-eluting stent models compared with a conventional stent and commercialized drug-eluting stents in an experimental model with healthy porcine coronary arteries.

METHODS

Sixty stents (conventional stent, new sirolimus-eluting stents: drug-eluting stents 1, 2 and 3; Cypher(®) and Xience(®)) were randomly placed in the coronary arteries of 20 Large White domestic pigs. Angiographic and histomorphometric studies were done 28 days later.

RESULTS

The stents were implanted at a stent/artery ratio of 1.34±0.15, with no significant differences between groups. The new stents showed less late loss and angiographic restenosis than conventional stents (P=.006 and P<.001, respectively). Histologically, restenosis and neointimal area were lower with all the new platforms than with the conventional stents (P<.001 for each variable), and no differences were found vs the drug-eluting stents on the market. Safety data showed that endothelialization was lower with drug-eluting stents than with conventional stents, except for drug-eluting stent 3 (P=.084). Likewise, inflammation was lower with drug-eluting stent 3 than with other stents.

CONCLUSIONS

The new drug-eluting stent platforms studied are associated with less restenosis than conventional stents and showed no significant differences in safety or efficacy vs commercialized drug-eluting stents.

Imaging diagnosis--Medullary tibial infarction in a horse

An Andalusian Stallion with left hind limb lameness had a radiolucent lesion in the medullary cavity of distal tibial metaphysis. After euthanasia for other disease, the tibia was examined with magnetic resonance (MR). The MR imaging sequences were characterized by a double line sign, although showing quite different lesion area intensities. Histologically, the lesion was compatible with medullary infarction being characterized by normal spongy bone, areas of abundant fibrous tissue and numerous necrotic adipocytes in various stages of destruction.

Diagnosis, genetic control and preventive management of canine hip dysplasia: a review

Despite expensive screening and breeding programmes, hip dysplasia (HD) continues to be one of the most common orthopaedic diseases in dogs. The vast majority of dogs afflicted with HD show minimal to no clinical signs, but it can also be a highly debilitating condition for both working and pet dogs. Hip joint laxity is considered a major risk factor for the development of degenerative joint disease and a definitive diagnosis is made if characteristic signs are evident on a ventrodorsal view of the pelvis. Early prediction of the condition can be made using stress radiographic techniques to evaluate the passive hip laxity. The diagnosis of HD may be used for the purpose of selecting breeding stock or to decide on the best treatment approach. Breeding programmes based on individual dog phenotypes have been ineffective and a selection procedure based on breeding value (BV) estimation is recommended. Traditional conservative and surgical treatment approaches are reserved for dogs with overt clinical signs of the disease but such treatments can be expensive and aggressive, and are often ineffective in eliminating clinical signs or subluxation and in preventing the development of degenerative joint disease. The implementation of breeding programmes based on BVs and further research into early prediction/diagnosis of HD and effective preventive treatment approaches are essential.

Early hip laxity examination in predicting moderate and severe hip dysplasia in Estrela mountain dog

OBJECTIVES

To determine the reliability of early passive hip laxity examination in predicting moderate and severe hip dysplasia.

METHODS

The passive hip laxity of 104 Estrela Mountain dogs was evaluated using the Ortolani method, conventional hip-extended radiography and the PennHIP method, when the animals were between four and 12 months of age. After the age of one, dogs were re-examined for hip dysplasia using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale scoring system. The passive hip laxity results were subsequently compared with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale scores for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy.

RESULTS

The PennHIP method achieved the best results in specificity (93 per cent), positive predictive value (91 per cent) and accuracy (88 per cent), and the Ortolani method was the best in sensitivity (92 per cent) and negative predictive value (92 per cent).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale grades D and E can be predicted with confidence even before animals are one year old.

Mechanical devices to help in PennHIP examination

A modified PennHIP procedure (MPP), using specific mechanical holding devices, was used on 70 dogs and compared to the standard PennHIP method (SPM) used on 39 dogs, in terms of technical effectiveness and the mean number of essential individuals within the X-ray room (EIXRR). The data using the Chi-squared test were consistent with the null hypothesis that the technical effectiveness was equal in the groups under investigation (P > 0.05). On the contrary, using the two-sample unpaired t-test the null hypothesis, that the mean EIXRR was equal, was rejected (P < 0.001). The estimated EIXRR was 3.4 +/- 0.7 and 5.7 +/- 1.2 (mean +/- SD) for MPP and SPM, respectively. In conclusion, the MPP needs fewer EIXXR than the SPM and complies with the new recommendations in X-ray protection, which introduce the ALARA (as-low-as-reasonably-achievable) idea.

Measurement of the femoral neck anteversion angle in the dog using computed tomography

Simple and accurate limb and pelvic conformation evaluation using computed tomography (CT) can be useful in planning canine hip dysplasia (CHD) treatment and in helping to understand the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and CHD. The objectives of this study were to describe a new method for femoral neck anteversion angle (FNA-angle) measurement in CT, and to compare it to the established radiographic standard biplanar method. The hips of 23 Estrela Mountain Dogs were evaluated using radiography and CT and their FNA-angles were determined by performing two CT examinations and with one radiographic measurement session. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the repeatability (agreement between the two CT sessions, ICC=0.92) and reproducibility (agreement between each CT and radiographic session, ICC=0.91 in both cases) of the CT FNA-angle measurement method. This study suggests that CT FNA-angle measurement method is reliable and can be used in CT hip studies with confidence.

Repeatability and reproducibility of distraction indices in PennHIP examinations of the hip joint in dogs

Repeatability and reproducibility of Distraction Index (DI) measurements in the PennHIP method were evaluated in 100 dogs. The PennHIP distraction views sent to the PennHIP Analysis Center (PAC) were duplicated, digitalised, and identified with a code, and an adequate computer software was used for DI measurements. One examiner performed two DI measurement sessions, evaluating individually 200 hip joints. The scoring repeatability and reproducibility were estimated calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) between the two DI measurement sessions and between the second DI measurement session and the DI in PAC reports, respectively. The ICC for repeatability was 0.97 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.96 to 0.98], and the ICC for reproducibility was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93 to 0.96). The results suggest that the DI measurement method described is repeatable and can reproduce the PAC reports with confidence. Distraction indices measured in different PennHIP studies, using this DI measurement method and performed by trained researchers, can be considered interchangeable.

Diagnosis of renal agenesis in a beagle

A case of right renal agenesis in a beagle, of interest because of the age of the dog at the time of diagnosis, is described. Physical, haematological, biochemical and urinary examinations, including measurement of endogenous creatinine clearance, were performed to assess renal function. Survey radiography, excretory urography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance examinations were also used to confirm the absence of a kidney. The effect of kidney agenesis on renal function, evaluated on the basis of endogenous creatinine clearance, is discussed together with the benefits of the various imaging techniques to enable in vivo detection of renal abnormalities.

Pitfalls in preparation of (3)H-unconjugated bilirubin by biosynthetic labeling from precursor (3)H-5-aminolevulinic acid in the dog

We report problems encountered during preparation of tritium-labeled unconjugated bilirubin ((3)H-UCB) from precursor (3)H-5-aminolevulinic acid ((3)H-ALA) in 2 dogs with external biliary drainage installed into the animals under general anesthesia. Under prolonged sedation, 12.9 or 14.0 mCi of (3)H-ALA was administered intravenously in two divided doses, and bile was collected for 9 hours. In one animal, taurocholate (TC) infusion was needed to maintain bile flow. (3)H-UCB was isolated from the bile and recrystallized with the improved method of Webster et al (Webster CC, Tiribelli C, Ostrow JD. J Lab Clin Med 2001;137:370-3). Based on radioactivity and pigment content, hourly bile collections were pooled to optimize specific activities. Surprisingly, in the first dog, only 2.9% of injected radioactivity was recovered in bile and only 14.1% in urine, and the specific activities of the crystalline (3)H-UCB from the two pools were only 39.5 and 30.0 x 10(3) dpm/microg. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that only 4% of ALA degraded during 5 minutes in injection solution at pH 6.8. The low incorporation of (3)H-ALA and low specific activity of (3)H-UCB was apparently caused mainly by prior degradation and exchange of labile tritium of the (3)H-ALA and probably by enhanced endogenous ALA synthesis caused by the anesthetic/sedative agents. Revised procedures in the second dog improved the incorporation of (3)H-ALA to 11.9% excreted in bile and the specific activity of the crystalline (3)H-UCB to 122.0 and 50.8 x 10(3) dpm/microg, while urinary excretion of tritium increased to 28.5%. These experiences emphasize possible pitfalls in preparing (3)H-UCB by biosynthetic labeling from (3)H-ALA administered to dogs.

Transvenous coil embolization of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a dog

To treat an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a young dog, thrombogenic material was placed into the vessel lumen (transvenous coil embolization) under fluoroscopic control. One coil was placed into the shunt, followed one month later by two additional coils. Transvenous embolization may become a useful method in the treatment of some portosystemic shunts.

Magnetic resonance, computed tomographic and radiologic findings in a dog with discospondylitis

Magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomographic and radiographic imaging were conducted in a dog with discospondylitis. The MR findings were increased T2 and decreased T1 signal intensity of the soft tissues ventral to vertebral bodies, the end plates of the same vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disc, and are similar to those described in human with discospondylitis.

Computed tomographic findings in ovine coenurosis

Computed tomographic imaging was conducted in twenty ewes with cerebral coenurosis. CT imaging allowed precise evaluation of the size and location of the cyst, which appeared as a hypoattenuating structure with a mass effect. No meaningful correlation between clinical signs and the location of parasitic cyst was detected.

Coating titanium implants with bioglass and with hydroxyapatite. A comparative study in sheep

This study compares the osteointegration of titanium implants coated with bioglass (Biovetro GSB formula) and with hydroxyapatite (HAP). Twenty-four bioglass-coated and 24 HAP-coated cylinders were implanted in the femoral diaphyses of sheep, and examined after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The HAP coating gave a stronger and earlier fixation to the bone than did bioglass. Bioglass formed a tissue interface which showed a macrophage reaction with little new bone formation activity. In contrast, HPA, showed intense new bone formation, with highly mineralised osseous trabeculae in the neighbourhood of the interface.