Feline Facial Spindle Cell Tumors in 29 Cats: Histomorphological and Immunohistochemical Characterization

Soft tissue tumors/sarcomas (STSs) in felines, encompassing a variety of mesenchymal tumors with similar histomorphological features, present diagnostic challenges due to their diverse cellular origins and the overlap with other tumor types such as feline sarcoid. This study aimed to delineate the clinical, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of 34 feline facial spindle cell tumors affecting 29 cats, including testing for bovine papillomavirus type 14 (BPV14), the virus causing feline sarcoids. Only five out of 12 tumors previously diagnosed as feline sarcoids based on histomorphology were confirmed by PCR for BPV14, underscoring the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches to accurately distinguish between STSs and feline sarcoids. This study shows that most facial spindle cell tumors were compatible with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) based on positive immunohistochemical staining for Sox10 and other immunohistochemical markers such as GFAP, NSE, and S100. Some of these tumors displayed as multiple independent masses on the face or as erosive and ulcerative lesions without obvious mass formation, an atypical presentation and an important highlight for general practitioners, dermatologists, and oncologists. This study also describes periadnexal whorling of neoplastic cells as a novel histomorphologic finding in feline facial PNSTs and emphasizes Sox10 as a useful complementary immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of facial PNST in cats, providing valuable insights for veterinary pathologists.

Reconstruction of the Maërl habitat to better understand its ecological integrity

Maërl habitats are composed of coralline red algae species that can live freely rolling on the seabed and forming nodules, the so-called rhodoliths, or incrusted forming coralligenous habitats. Maërl habitats are generally distributed in the Mediterranean at a depth of between 30 m and 70 m and are considered one of the most emblematic Mediterranean seabeds. In the present study, the complex structure of maërl habitats was investigated to i) characterise the relief features and classify the different sediments, ii) to estimate the abundance of the coralline red algae (both rhodoliths and encrusting ones) and iii) to analyse the biodiversity of the species inhabiting the habitat. Data were obtained from an approximately 11 km-long transect, using non-intrusive sampling methods, integrating information from video images collected using the Remotely Operated Vehicle LIROPUS (IEO_CSIC), and multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data. Video images were used to reconstruct (using GIS) the habitat structure and characteristics. Throughout the transect, a strong relationship between habitat characteristics and the effect of trawling activity and the geomorphology of the studied area was observed. The closed area to fishing activity showed a high abundance of rhodoliths in well-structured megaripples reliefs. Contrarily, the areas affected by fishing showed an important destructuring of the relief with a low density of rhodoliths. Last, the muddy bottoms showed areas with no characteristic features and no rhodoliths. All this information has allowed to reconstruct the maërl habitat in the Blanes continental shelf (NW Mediterranean) and analyse the fragmentation of the assemblages seen in the video to assess its good environmental status (GES), and finally to identify the level of ecological integrity of this vulnerable habitat.

Independent COL17A1 Variants in Cats with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), characterized by defective adhesion of the epidermis to the dermis, is a heterogeneous disease with many subtypes in human patients and domestic animals. We investigated two unrelated cats with recurring erosions and ulcers on ear pinnae, oral mucosa, and paw pads that were suggestive of EB. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of EB in both cats. Case 1 was severe and had to be euthanized at 5 months of age. Case 2 had a milder course and was alive at 11 years of age at the time of writing. Whole genome sequencing of both affected cats revealed independent homozygous variants in COL17A1 encoding the collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain. Loss of function variants in COL17A1 lead to junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) in human patients. The identified splice site variant in case 1, c.3019+1del, was predicted to lead to a complete deficiency in collagen type XVII. Case 2 had a splice region variant, c.769+5G>A. Assessment of the functional impact of this variant on the transcript level demonstrated partial aberrant splicing with residual expression of wildtype transcript. Thus, the molecular analyses provided a plausible explanation of the difference in clinical severity between the two cases and allowed the refinement of the diagnosis in the affected cats to JEB. This study highlights the complexity of EB in animals and contributes to a better understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation in COL17A1-related JEB.

Effect of culture conditions at lab-scale on metabolite composition and antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Dunaliella tertiolecta

Dunaliella tertiolecta RCC6 was cultivated indoors in glass bubble column photobioreactors operated under batch and semi-continuous regimens and using two different conditions of light and temperature. Biomass was harvested by centrifugation, frozen, and then lyophilized. The soluble material was obtained by sequential extraction of the lyophilized biomass with solvents with a gradient of polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) and its metabolic composition was investigated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The effect of light on chlorophyll biosynthesis was clearly shown through the relative intensities of the ¹ H NMR signals due to pheophytins. The highest signal intensity was observed for the biomasses obtained at lower light intensity, resulting in a lower light availability per cell. Under high temperature and light conditions, the ¹ H NMR spectra of the hexane extracts showed an incipient accumulation of triacylglycerols. In these conditions and under semi-continuous regimen, an enhancement of β-carotene and sterols production was observed. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the extracts were also tested. Antibacterial activity was not detected, regardless of culture conditions. In contrast, the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs) against Escherichia coli for the hexane extract obtained under semi-continuous regimen using high temperature and irradiance conditions was promising.

Epithelial membrane antigen-reactive feline chordoid meningioma in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris)

Meningioma is the most frequent intracranial neoplasm in cats. Here we describe the first case of chordoid meningioma (CM), a rare grade II meningioma subtype, in a 5.5-year-old European wildcat (Felis silvestris) from a Swiss zoo. The wildcat was found dead after a clinical history of neurological signs and clinical suspicion of a carcinoma in the right external ear canal with concurrent chronic otitis. Post-mortem examination revealed a large intracranial, extra-axial and intradural neoplasm that invaded into the right ear canal and had histological features compatible with CM, which has been only reported in humans and dogs. Neoplastic cells expressed vimentin but were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100 and pancytokeratin. Immunohistochemistry revealed epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression in neoplastic cells. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of EMA expression in feline meningioma.

First description of interdigital hyperplasia associated with contagious ovine digital dermatitis in two sheep

Interdigital hyperplasia (IH) is a fold of fibrous tissue protruding into the interdigital space that rarely occurs in sheep. Interdigital hyperplasia secondary infected with bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) treponemes has been reported in cattle in the course of the increasing spread of classical BDD lesions. In this report, we describe proliferative/ulcerative interdigital lesions associated with contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) treponemes and clinically scored as (IH+CODD), occurring in both hind limbs of a ram and the left hindlimb of a ewe. Both cases exhibited epidermal hyperplasia, parakeratosis and focal-extensive areas of epidermal necrosis with numerous infiltrating neutrophils. Treponema PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were positive for Treponema phylotype 1 (PT1). In addition, Dichelobacter (D.) nodosus and Porphyromonas (P.) levii were detected in the biopsy by PCR. In three slaughter sheep, without claw lesions, which were kept together with both affected sheep, Treponema spp. were detected neither with PCR nor FISH; the PCRs for D. nodosus and P. levii were also negative. Complete clinical healing occurred in the ewe within 6 weeks after three local applications of a chlortetracycline spray in 2 weeks intervals. This report is the first description of IH+CODD in sheep as demonstrated by a combination of histopathological and molecular analyses.

"In vitro" evaluation of bacterial biofilm formation on different cerclage systems

Cerclage wiring may be used for fracture fixation or osteotomy stabilization in revision arthroplasty. There is a lack of evidence regarding the potential risk of bacterial colonization for the different types of cerclages. The objective of our research is to study the adhesion and biofilm formation of S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa on two different cerclage cable models, comparing a polymer cable and a stainless steel metal cable. A two-cm cerclage piece of each material was submerged in 2 mL of tryptic soy broth (TSB) inoculated with 10 μL of a 0.5 McFarland bacterial culture, and incubated at 37°C during 2 h for adhesion and 48 h for biofilm formation. The cerclages were washed with 1xPBS and sonicated in a new culture medium. Aliquots of several dilutions of each sonicated culture were spread in TSB agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The number of colonies was counted. The colony-forming units per ml (CFU/mL) and the percentage of reduction were calculated. Experiments were triplicated. For P. aeruginosa, a statistically significant reduction in biofilm formation was found on the polymer cerclage cable, compared to the metal cerclage cable. Reductions of 59% and 88%, after 2 h and 48 h, respectively, were observed. For S. epidermis and S. aureus, there was a trend towards lower bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation for the polymer cerclage cable. In summary, these results demonstrate that the braided polymer cerclage cable may be less prone to bacterial adherence and biofilm formation compared to the braided metal cerclage cable.

Independent COL5A1 Variants in Cats with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

We investigated four cats with similar clinical skin-related signs strongly suggestive of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Cases no. 1 and 4 were unrelated and the remaining two cases, no. 2 and 3, were reportedly siblings. Histopathological changes were characterized by severely altered dermal collagen fibers. Transmission electron microscopy in one case demonstrated abnormalities in the collagen fibril organization and structure. The genomes of the two unrelated affected cats and one of the affected siblings were sequenced and individually compared to 54 feline control genomes. We searched for private protein changing variants in known human EDS candidate genes and identified three independent heterozygous COL5A1 variants. COL5A1 is a well-characterized candidate gene for classical EDS. It encodes the proα1 chain of type V collagen, which is needed for correct collagen fibril formation and the integrity of the skin. The identified variants in COL5A1 are c.112_118+15del or r.spl?, c.3514A>T or p.(Lys1172*), and c.3066del or p.(Gly1023Valfs*50) for cases no. 1, 2&3, and 4, respectively. They presumably all lead to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, which results in haploinsufficiency of COL5A1 and causes the alterations of the connective tissue. The whole genome sequencing approach used in this study enables a refinement of the diagnosis for the affected cats as classical EDS. It further illustrates the potential of such experiments as a precision medicine approach in animals with inherited diseases.

Correlation Between Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence Determinants and Biofilm Formation Ability Among Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated in Catalonia, Spain

Escherichia coli is a well-characterized bacterium highly prevalent in the human intestinal tract and the cause of many important infections. The aim of this study was to characterize 376 extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains collected from four hospitals in Catalonia (Spain) between 2016 and 2017 in terms of antimicrobial resistance, siderophore production, phylogroup classification, and the presence of selected virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. In addition, the association between these characteristics and the ability to form biofilms was also analyzed. The strains studied were classified into four groups according to their biofilm formation ability: non-biofilm formers (15.7%), weak (23.1%), moderate (35.6%), and strong biofilm formers (25.6%). The strains were highly resistant to ciprofloxacin (48.7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (47.9%), and ampicillin (38%), showing a correlation between higher resistance to ciprofloxacin and lower biofilm production. Seventy-three strains (19.4%) were ESBL-producers. However, no relationship between the presence of ESBL and biofilm formation was found. The virulence factor genes fimH (92%), pgaA (84.6%), and irp1 (77.1%) were the most prevalent in all the studied strains. A statistically significant correlation was found between biofilm formation and the presence of iroN, papA, fimH, sfa, cnf, hlyA, iutA, and colibactin-encoding genes clbA, clbB, clbN, and clbQ. Interestingly, a high prevalence of colibactin-encoding genes (19.9%) was observed. Colibactin is a virulence factor, which interferes with the eukaryotic cell cycle and has been associated with colorectal cancer in humans. Most colibactin-encoding E. coli isolates belonged to phylogroup B2, exhibited low antimicrobial resistance but moderate or high biofilm-forming ability, and were significantly associated with most of the virulence factor genes tested. Additionally, the analysis of their clonal relatedness by PFGE showed 48 different clusters, indicating a high clonal diversity among the colibactin-positive strains. Several studies have correlated the pathogenicity of E. coli and the presence of virulence factor genes; however, colibactin and its relationship to biofilm formation have been scarcely investigated. The increasing prevalence of colibactin in E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae and the recently described correlation with biofilm formation, makes colibactin a promising therapeutic target to prevent biofilm formation and its associated adverse effects.

Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated From Different Clinical Sources

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium capable of colonizing, invading, and causing infections in different anatomical sites of the human body. Its ability to evade the immune system, its increasing antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of hypervirulent pathotypes have become a major challenge in the medical field. In this study, 127 strains from different clinical sources (urine, respiratory tract or blood) were characterized for antimicrobial resistance, the presence of virulence factor genes, serum resistance, hypermucoviscosity and the ability to form biofilms. Specific characteristics of the uropathogenic strains were examined and compared with the other clinical groups.

Differences were found between urine and the other groups of strains. Urine strains showed the highest antibiotic resistance (64.91%) compared to blood (63.64%) or respiratory strains (51.35%) as well as the highest extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production. These strains also showed statistically significant high resistance to fosfomycin (24.56%) compared to the other groups (p = 0.008). Regarding virulence, 84.21% of the urine strains presented the uge gene, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03) compared to the other clinical sources, indicating a possible role of this gene in the development of urinary tract infection. In addition, 46% of biofilm-forming strains belonged to the urine sample group (p = 0.043). In conclusion, K. pneumoniae strains isolated from urine samples showed higher antimicrobial resistance, ESBL production, and biofilm-forming ability compared to those isolated from respiratory or blood samples. The rapid spread of clinical strains with these characteristics is of concern, and new therapeutic alternatives are essential to mitigate their harmful effects.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour in a Seba's Short-Tailed Bat (Carollia perspicillata)

There are few reports of tumours in bats, despite the fact that members of the Chiroptera order include 22.4% of all currently known mammal species. We now describe a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) in an adult female Seba's short-tailed bat (Carollia perspicillata) from a private zoo in Switzerland. The macroscopical and histological findings indicated that the MPNST originated from a dorsal spinal nerve root sheath in the lumbar region and metastasized to the spleen. Immunohistochemical labelling for glial fibrillary acid protein, S100 protein, neuron specific enolase and synaptophysin was negative. The cytoplasm of a few neoplastic cells labelled for smooth muscle actin and desmin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a PNST in a member of the Chiroptera order.

Benefits of aerosolized phages for the treatment of pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): an experimental study in rats

Background

The optimal method for delivering phages in the context of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is unknown. In the current study, we assessed the utility of aerosolized phages (aerophages) for experimental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia.

Methods

Rats were ventilated for 4 hours before induction of pneumonia. Animals received one of the following: (1) aerophages; (2) intravenous (IV) phages; (3) a combination of IV and aerophages; (4) IV linezolid; or (5) a combination of IV linezolid and aerophages. Phages were administered at 2, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and linezolid was administered at 2, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours. The primary outcome was survival at 96 hours. Secondary outcomes were bacterial and phage counts in tissues and histopathological scoring of the lungs.

Results

Aerophages and IV phages each rescued 50% of animals from severe MRSA pneumonia (P < .01 compared with placebo controls). The combination of aerophages and IV phages rescued 91% of animals, which was higher than either monotherapy (P < .05). Standard-of-care antibiotic linezolid rescued 38% of animals. However, linezolid and aerophages did not synergize in this setting (55% survival).

Conclusions

Aerosolized phage therapy showed potential for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia in an experimental animal model and warrants further investigation for application in humans.

Nasal transmissible venereal tumours in 12 dogs - a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of clinical manifestation and treatment outcome of the nasal form of transmissible venereal tumours (TVT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve dogs suffering from nasal TVT were included in this study. Patients with primary genital lesions were excluded from the study. Signalment, physical examination and laboratory findings, results of further diagnostics, and treatment results were recorded in all patients.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 9 male and 4 female dogs with an (estimated) age ranging from 3 to 7 years. With one exception all dogs originated from Ukraine. Symptoms of nasal TVT included sneezing, nasal bleeding (all cases), skull infiltration (9 cases), oronasal fistulas (9 cases) and cutaneous fistulas (5 cases). Animals received vincristine sulfate at 0.7 mg/m² i. v. weekly. The treatment course consisted of 4-9 cycles (median 5 cycles). Complete remission was achieved in all cases. All dogs were disease-free during the follow-up period (median 23.5 months, range 12-56 months). All patients tolerated the treatment very well.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, our data suggest that nasal TVT can have a good response to vincristine treatment. TVT should be considered as a differential diagnosis in sneezing dogs with nasal discharge or bleeding especially in young dogs and in dogs with suspected nasal tumours, even in countries without a stray animal population.

NMR characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and antiobiofilm activity of organic extracts from stationary phase batch cultures of five marine microalgae (Dunaliella sp., D. salina, Chaetoceros calcitrans, C. gracilis and Tisochrysis lutea)

The chemical composition of five marine microalgae (Dunaliella sp., Dunaliella salina, Chaetoceros calcitrans, Chaetoceros gracilis and Tisochrysis lutea) was investigated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic study of the soluble material obtained by sequential extraction with hexane, ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and methanol of biomass from stationary phase cultures. Hexane extracted the major lipids present in the microalgae during the stationary phase of growth, which correspond to storage lipids. Triacylglycerols (TGs) were the only storage lipids produced by Dunaliella and Chaetoceros. In contrast, T. lutea predominantly stored polyunsaturated long-chain alkenones, with sterols also detected as minor components of the hexane extract. The molecular structure of brassicasterol was determined in T. lutea and the presence of squalene in this sample was also unequivocally detected. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs) and pigments were concentrated in the AcOEt extracts. C. calcitrans and D. salina constituted an exception due to the high amount of TGs and glycerol produced, respectively, by these two strains. Chlorophylls a and b and β-carotene were the major pigments synthesized by Dunaliella and chlorophyll a and fucoxanthin were the only pigments detected in Chaetoceros and T. lutea. Information concerning the acyl chains present in TGs and MGDGs as well as the positional distribution of acyl chains on the glycerol moiety was obtained by NMR analysis of hexane and AcOEt extracts, with results consistent with those expected for the genera studied. Fatty acid composition of TGs in the two Dunaliella strains was different, with polyunsaturated acyl chains almost absent in the storage lipids produced by D. salina. Except in C. calcitrans, the polar nature of soluble compounds was inferred through the relative extraction yield using methanol as the extraction solvent. Glycerol was the major component of this fraction for the Dunaliella strains. In T. lutea 1,4/2,5-cyclohexanetetrol (CHT) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) preponderated. CHT was also the major polyol present in the Chaetoceros strains in which DMSP was not detected, but prominent signals of 2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate (DHSP) were observed in the 1H NMR spectra of methanolic extracts. The presence of DHSP confirms the production of this metabolite by diatoms. In addition, several other minor compounds (digalactosyldiacyglycerols (DGDGs), sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDGs), amino acids, carbohydrates, scyllo-inositol, mannitol, lactic acid and homarine) were also identified in the methanolic extracts. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the extracts were tested. The AcOEt extract from C. gracilis showed a moderate antibiofilm activity.

Benthic marine litter in shallow fishing grounds in the NW Mediterranean Sea

Fisheries are one of the main economic sectors affected by marine litter, which can damage gear, reduce catch, and require time to repair or clean nets. This study aims to evaluate the type and density of marine litter in two shallow fishing grounds in the NW Mediterranean Sea, both belonging to the Natura 2000 network. Moreover, it quantifies the fraction of marine litter within the total catch to help understand the potential influence of marine litter on fisheries. Two study areas were selected, one in the vicinity of urban populated areas and high navigational traffic and one in a rural site off an agricultural area. The urban area had more benthic marine litter (393 to 198 kg km^-2) including clinker (residue from coal-burning steamships), fabric, plastics, and processed wood and accounting for up to 38% of the total catch. The rural area had far less marine litter (34-56 kg km^-2), accounting for only 5% of the total catch. Marine litter may have potential negative effects on fisheries; thus we propose that government credit trading programs could be promoted to help recover litter from fishing catches, to reduce fishing costs and hazards to marine ecosystems.

Treatment, outcomes and costs of asthma exacerbations in Chilean children: a prospective multicenter observational study

OBJECTIVE

To describe potential regional variations in therapies for severe asthma exacerbations in Chilean children and estimate the associated health expenditures.

METHODS

Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals over a one-year period. Children five years of age or older were eligible for inclusion. Days with oxygen supply and pharmacological treatments received were recorded from the clinical chart. A basic asthma hospitalization basket was defined in order to estimate the average hospitalization cost for a single patient. Six months after discharge, new visits to the Emergency Room (ER), use of systemic corticosteroids and adherence to the controller treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

396 patients were enrolled. Patients from the public health system and from the north zone received significantly more days of oxygen, systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. Great heterogeneity in antibiotic use among the participating hospitals was found, from 0 to 92.3% (ICC 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.52). The use of aminophylline, magnesium sulfate and ketamine varied from 0 to 36.4% between the different Pediatric Intensive Care Units (ICC 0.353, 95% CI 0.010-0.608). The average cost per inpatient was of $1910 USD. 290 patients (73.2%) completed the follow-up six months after discharge. 76 patients (26.2%) were not receiving any controller treatment and nearly a fourth had new ER visits and use of systemic corticosteroids due to new asthma exacerbations.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable practice variation in asthma exacerbations treatment was found among the participating hospitals, highlighting the poor outcome of many patients after hospital discharge, with an important health cost.

Hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation in Chilean children: A multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children have increased in the last 14 years, but little is known about the factors associated with this.

OBJECTIVE

Describe clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation.

METHODS

Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals. Over a one-year period, children five years of age or older hospitalized with asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. Parents completed an online questionnaire with questions on demographic information, about asthma, indoor environmental contaminant exposure, comorbidities and beliefs about disease and treatment. Disease control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test. Inhalation technique was observed using a checklist.

RESULTS

396 patients were enrolled. 168 children did not have an established diagnosis of asthma. Only 188 used at least one controller treatment at the time of hospitalization. 208 parents said they believed their child had asthma only when they had an exacerbation and 97 correctly identified inhaled corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory treatment. 342 patients used the wrong spacer and 73 correctly performed all steps of the checklist.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the patients were not diagnosed with asthma at the time of hospitalization despite having a medical history suggestive of the disease. In the remaining patients with an established diagnosis of asthma potentially modifiable factors like bad adherence to treatment and poor inhalation technique were found. Implementing a nationwide asthma program including continued medical education for the correct diagnosis and follow up of these patients and asthma education for patients and caregivers is needed to reduce asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children.

Influence of Wheat Straw Pelletizing and Inclusion Rate in Dry Rolled or Steam-flaked Corn-based Finishing Diets on Characteristics of Digestion for Feedlot Cattle

Eight Holstein steers (216±48 kg body weight) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used to evaluate effects of wheat straw processing (ground vs pelleted) at two straw inclusion rates (7% and 14%; dry matter basis) in dry rolled or steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets on characteristics of digestion. The experimental design was a split plot consisting of two simultaneous 4×4 Latin squares. Increasing straw level reduced ruminal (p<0.01) and total tract (p = 0.03) organic matter (OM) digestion. As expected, increasing wheat straw level from 7% to 14% decreased (p<0.05) ruminal and total tract digestion of OM. Digestion of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and starch, per se, were not affected (p>0.10) by wheat straw level. Likewise, straw level did not influence ruminal acetate and propionate molar proportions or estimated methane production (p>0.10). Pelleting straw did not affect (p≥0.48) ruminal digestion of OM, NDF, and starch, or microbial efficiency. Ruminal feed N digestion was greater (7.4%; p = 0.02) for ground than for pelleted wheat straw diets. Although ruminal starch digestion was not affected by straw processing, post-ruminal (p<0.01), and total-tract starch (p = 0.05) digestion were greater for ground than for pelleted wheat straw diets, resulting in a tendency for increased post-ruminal (p = 0.06) and total tract (p = 0.07) OM digestion. Pelleting wheat straw decreased (p<0.01) ruminal pH, although ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration and estimated methane were not affected (p≥0.27). Ruminal digestion of OM and starch, and post-ruminal and total tract digestion of OM, starch and N were greater (p<0.01) for steam-flaked than for dry rolled corn-based diets. Ruminal NDF digestion was greater (p = 0.02) for dry rolled than for steam-flaked corn, although total tract NDF digestion was unaffected (p = 0.94). Ruminal microbial efficiency and ruminal degradation of feed N were not affected (p>0.14) by corn processing. However, microbial N flow to the small intestine and ruminal N efficiency (non-ammonia N flow to the small intestine/N intake) were greater (p<0.01) for steam-flaked than for dry rolled corn-based diets. Ruminal pH and total VFA concentration were not affected (p≥ 0.16) by corn processing method. Compared with dry rolled corn, steam-flaked corn-based diets resulted in decreased acetate:propionate molar ratio (p = 0.02). It is concluded that at 7% or 14% straw inclusion rate, changes in physical characteristics of wheat straw brought about by pelleting negatively impact OM digestion of both steam-flaked and dry-rolled corn-based finishing diets. This effect is due to decreased post-ruminal starch digestion. Replacement of ground straw with pelleted straw also may decrease ruminal pH.

Six-Year Follow-up of Slaughterhouse Surveillance (2008-2013): The Catalan Slaughterhouse Support Network (SESC)

Meat inspection has the ultimate objective of declaring the meat and offal obtained from carcasses of slaughtered animals fit or unfit for human consumption. This safeguards the health of consumers by ensuring that the food coming from these establishments poses no risk to public health. Concomitantly, it contributes to animal disease surveillance. The Catalan Public Health Protection Agency (Generalitat de Catalunya) identified the need to provide its meat inspectors with a support structure to improve diagnostic capacity: the Slaughterhouse Support Network (SESC). The main goal of the SESC was to offer continuing education to meat inspectors to improve the diagnostic capacity for lesions observed in slaughterhouses. With this aim, a web-based application was designed that allowed meat inspectors to submit their inquiries, images of the lesions, and samples for laboratory analysis. This commentary reviews the cases from the first 6 years of SESC operation (2008-2013). The program not only provides continuing education to inspectors but also contributes to the collection of useful information on animal health and welfare. Therefore, SESC complements animal disease surveillance programs, such as those for tuberculosis, bovine cysticercosis, and porcine trichinellosis, and is a powerful tool for early detection of emerging animal diseases and zoonoses.

Ibrutinib-induced lymphocytosis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: correlative analyses from a phase II study

Ibrutinib and other targeted inhibitors of B-cell receptor signaling achieve impressive clinical results for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A treatment-induced rise in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) has emerged as a class effect of kinase inhibitors in CLL and warrants further investigation. We here report correlative studies in 64 patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib. We quantified tumor burden in blood, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, assessed phenotypic changes of circulating cells, and measured whole blood viscosity. With just one dose of ibrutinib the average increase in ALC was 66%, and in over 40% of patients the ALC peaked within 24 hours of initiating treatment. Circulating CLL cells on day 2 showed increased Ki67 and CD38 expression, indicating an efflux of tumor cells from the tissue compartments into the blood. The kinetics and degree of the treatment-induced lymphocytosis was highly variable; interestingly in patients with a high baseline ALC the relative increase was mild and resolution rapid. After two cycles of treatment the disease burden in lymph node, bone marrow, and spleen decreased irrespective of the relative change in ALC. Whole blood viscosity was dependent on both ALC and hemoglobin. No adverse events were attributed to the lymphocytosis.

New synthetic approach to paullones and characterization of their SIRT1 inhibitory activity

A series of 7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepine-6(5H)-ones (paullones) substituted at C9/C10 (Br) and C2 (Me, CF(3), CO(2)Me) have been synthesized by a one-pot Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of an o-aminoarylboronic acid and methyl 2-iodoindoleacetate followed by intramolecular amide formation. Other approaches to the paullone scaffold based on Pd-catalyzed C-H activation were unsuccessful. In vitro enzymatic assay with recombinant human SIRT-1 indicated a strong inhibitory profile for the series, in particular the analogue with a methoxycarbonyl group at C2 and a bromine at C9. These compounds are, in general, inducers of granulocyte differentiation of the U937 acute leukemia cell line and cause a marked increase in pre-G1 of the cell cycle.

Post-epizootic chronic dolphin morbillivirus infection in Mediterranean striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba

Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) has caused 2 epizootics with high mortality rates on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, in 1990 and 2006-07, mainly affecting striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba. Following the first epizootic unusual DMV infections affecting only the central nervous system of striped dolphins were found, with histological features similar to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and old dog encephalitis, the chronic latent localised infections caused by defective forms of measles virus and canine distemper virus, respectively. Between 2008 and 2010, monitoring by microscopic and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of 118 striped dolphins stranded along Catalonia, the Valencia Region and Andalusia showed similar localised DMV nervous system infections in 25.0, 28.6 and 27.4% of cases, respectively, with no significant differences among regions or sex. The body length of DMV-infected dolphins was statistically greater than that of non-infected dolphins (196.5 vs. 160.5 cm; p < 0.001). Molecular detection of DMV was performed by 2 different RT-PCR techniques amplifying a 429 bp fragment and a 78 bp fragment both within the phosphoprotein (P) gene. The 429 bp RT-PCR results contradicted the IHC-DMV results as only 3 of 6 dolphins with positive IHC-DMV had positive PCR results. All 6 cases were positive with the 78 bp RT-PCR. These findings contraindicate the use of the 429 bp RT-PCR protocol based on the P gene to detect this specific form of DMV. DMV localised nervous infection constitutes the most relevant single cause of stranding and death in Mediterranean striped dolphins in the years following a DMV epizootic, and it might even overwhelm the effects of the epizootic itself, at least in 2007.

Pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and mediastinitis in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) associated with Pseudomonas luteola Infection

Between 2008 and 2009, three pet ferrets from different sources presented with acute episode of dyspnoea. Cytological examination of pleural exudates revealed severe purulent inflammation with abundant clusters of rod-shaped microorganisms with a clear surrounding halo. Treatment was ineffective and the ferrets died 2–5 days later. Two ferrets were subjected to necropsy examination, which revealed pyothorax, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and multiple white nodules (1–2 mm) in the lungs. Microscopical examination showed multifocal necrotizing-pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and lymphadenitis with aggregates of encapsulated microorganisms, some of which were positively stained by periodic acid–Schiff and alcian blue. In-situ hybridization for Pneumocystis spp., Ziehl–Neelsen staining and immunohistochemistry for distemper, coronavirus and influenza antigen were negative in all cases. Electron microscopically, the bacteria were 2–3 μm long with a thick electron-lucent capsule. Microbiology from one ferret yielded a pure culture of gram-negative bacteria identified phenotypically as Pseudomonas luteola. This speciation was later confirmed by 16S RNA gene amplification.

Systemic herpesvirus and morbillivirus co-infection in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

During 2007 a dolphin morbillivirus epizootic affected the western Mediterranean and several striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded on the Catalonian coasts. One of those animals had severe lymphoid depletion, necrosis and syncytial formation in lymph nodes and spleen, with large basophilic nuclear inclusions compatible with herpesvirus detected by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination. Non-suppurative encephalitis with associated morbillivirus antigen and morbillivirus antigen within alveolar macrophages were also observed. A pan-herpesvirus nested polymerase chain reaction amplified a sequence virtually identical to two cetacean herpesvirus sequences previously identified in systemic infections in an Atlantic Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) and in a Mediterranean striped dolphin. The herpesviral infection was probably secondary to the immunosuppression caused by the morbillivirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a cetacean co-infected by dolphin morbillivirus and herpesvirus with evidence of lesions attributable to both viruses.

Composition, yield, and functionality of reduced-fat Oaxaca cheese: effects of using skim milk or a dry milk protein concentrate

The effect of adding either skim milk or a commercial dry milk protein concentrate (MPC) to whole milk on the composition, yield, and functional properties of Mexican Oaxaca cheese were investigated. Five batches of Oaxaca cheeses were produced. One batch (the control) was produced from whole milk containing 3.5% fat and 9% nonfat solids (SNF). Two batches were produced from milk standardized with skim milk to 2.7 and 1.8% fat, maintaining the SNF content at 9%. In the other 2 batches, an MPC (40% protein content) was used to standardize the milk to a SNF content of 10 and 11%, maintaining the milk fat content at 3.5%. The use of either skim milk or MPC caused a significant decrease in the fat percentage in cheese. The use of skim milk or MPC showed a nonsignificant tendency to lower total solids and fat recoveries in cheese. Actual, dry matter, and moisture-adjusted cheese yields significantly decreased with skim milk addition, but increased with MPC addition. However, normalized yields adjusted to milk fat and protein reference levels did not show significant differences between treatments. Considering skim milk-added and control cheeses, actual yield increased with cheese milk fat content at a rate of 1.34 kg/kg of fat (R=0.88). In addition, cheese milk fat and SNF:fat ratio proved to be strong individual predictors of cheese moisture-adjusted yield (r(2) ≈ 0.90). Taking into account the results obtained from control and MPC-added cheeses, a 2.0-kg cheese yield increase rate per kg of milk MPC protein was observed (R=0.89), with TS and SNF being the strongest predictors for moisture adjusted yield (r(2) ≈ 0.77). Reduced-fat Oaxaca cheese functionality differed from that of controls. In unmelted reduced-fat cheeses, hardness and springiness increased. In melted reduced-fat cheeses, meltability and free oil increased, but stretchability decreased. These changes were related to differences in cheese composition, mainly fat in dry matter and calcium in SNF.

Congestive Heart Failure in 6 African Grey Parrots (Psittacus e erithacus)

Six African grey parrots ( Psittacus e erithacus) were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure based on gross and microscopic findings. Ages ranged from 15 days to 8 years, and 5 of 6 parrots were either neonates or juveniles at the time of diagnosis. Two neonates and 2 juveniles came from the same breeding aviary; the 2 juveniles were born to the same breeding pair. The 2 other parrots were kept as pets. Clinical signs included distention of the coelomic cavity (4 of 6), rales (3 of 6), weakness (4 of 6), bradyarrhythmia (1 of 6), growth retardation (1 of 6), crop stasis (1 of 6), and regurgitation (1 of 6). Three parrots were euthanized and 3 died. Gross findings included cardiomegaly due to biventricular, right-, or left-sided cardiomyopathy (6 of 6); coelomic effusion (6 of 6); whitish or yellow foci in the liver (6 of 6); atrophy of the liver (particularly, the left lobe; 5 of 6); reddened or grey lungs (5 of 6); subcutaneous edema (2 of 6); hydropericardium (1 of 6); and bilateral thyroid gland enlargement (1 of 6). Relevant microscopic findings included passive hepatic congestion (6 of 6) and pulmonary congestion (2 of 6), lymphocytic thyroiditis (2 of 6), and diffuse thyroid follicular hyperplasia (2 of 6). Microscopically, the heart was unremarkable (2 of 6) or had mild lymphocytic myocarditis (2 of 6), mild multifocal cytoplasmic vacuolation of cardiomyocytes (2 of 6), mild lymphocytic myocardial (Purkinje cell) ganglioneuritis (1 of 6), and mild multifocal interstitial fibrosis and nuclear hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (1 of 6). One parrot had concurrent proventricular dilatation disease (systemic ganglioneuritis). The cause of cardiomyopathy in these parrots was not determined.

Case report: ovarian teratoma in a Mediterranean tortoise

A 61-year-old female Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermannii) presented after 1 week of tetraparesis. Coelomic ultrasonography revealed free fluid and an ovarian mass with multiple follicles. Blood analysis suggested renal failure. After initial medical treatment for kidney disease, the tortoise seemed to improve clinically, but the animal died 2 months later. Necropsy and histopathology revealed an ovarian teratoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a teratoma in tortoise gonadal tissue.

Prevalence of different virulence factors and biofilm production in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolates causing diarrhea in children in Ifakara (Tanzania)

This study investigated the prevalence of 19 virulence factors and biofilm production in 86 EAEC isolates causing diarrhea in children less than 5 years of age from Ifakara, Tanzania. Virulence factors were detected by PCR, whereas biofilm production was determined using a microtiter plate assay. No virulence factor, with the exception of the aat gene used to identify EAEC, was detected in 11/86 isolates (12.8%). The most frequently detected virulence factor was the aggR gene in 53 (61.6%) EAEC, followed by antigen 43 in 33.7%, dispersin in 26.7%, yersiniabactin in 22.1%; autrotransporter Sat in 20.9%; Shigella enterotoxin-1 in 16.3%, and heat-stable toxin-1 in 15.1%. Biofilm was produced in 66/86 (76%) isolates. AggR was the most prevalent virulence factor in the biofilm-forming group (65% versus 38%, P = 0.032). These results again show the high heterogeneity of virulence factors among EAEC isolates causing diarrhea in children, and that biofilm may be an important virulence factor, strongly associated with the presence of AggR.

[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as form of presentation of idiophatic nephrotic syndrome in a black adult]

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a serious and frequent complication in childhood nephrotic syndrome. However, this type of complication is very rare in adult nephrotic patients. In the review realized only 15 cases are published with this complication, and none of them after the year 2000. Later we expose the case of a male of 25 years old, proceeding of senegal, with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, acute renal failure and coagulopatia for malnutrition as form of presentation of a nephrotic syndrome flowery. Besides across the contributed case different aspects of the epidemiology and of the managing of these patients are discussed as well as the last publications on the options of treatment of the glomerulopatia responsible of the clinical symptoms.