1,721,099 research outputs found
Updates on the case of a Hepatocellular carcinoma in a South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens)
Full text linkDuring the EAAM Annual meeting in Portugal in 2019, we presented a case report on a South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) that suffered from a Hepatocellular carcinoma with metastases in the lungs. Further research on the case has
demonstrated that metastases were present also in the spleen and lymph nodes. Besides, the histopathological examination of the parathyroid revealed the presence of proliferative neoplastic phenomena that could represent the primitive site of the
development of the adenocarcinoma of which metastases were observed in the liver and lymph nodes. The Immunohystochemestry (IHC) analysis confirmed that the tumor was of primary hepatic origin, metastasized in various organs, including the parathyroid which does not represent a usual site of metastasis
FEEDING RAINBOW TROUT (Oncorhynchus mykiss) WITH GUAR MEAL PROTEIN CONCENTRATE: WHICH IS THE BEST PERCENTAGE OF CONVENTIONAL PROTEIN SOURCE REPLACEMENT?
No full textIntroduction
Since rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most significant freshwater fish species reared, efforts to improve this industry through genetic selection and sustainable diets are being made (Garcia-Ballesteros et al., 2021; D’Agaro et al., 2021).
Soy, rapeseed, wheat gluten and corn gluten are commonly used as protein concentrates in aquafeeds, due to their high digestibility (Parisi et al., 2020). Guar meal, deriving from the endosperm of an Indian cluster bean, the galactomannan polysaccharide Guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonalobus), has already been used in aquafeed, increasing faecal stability (Janphirom et al., 2010). In the last years, it has been purified to reduce saponin, tannin, phytates and protease inhibitor concentration, that are considered to negatively affect growth of salmonids (Pach F. and Nagel F., 2017).
In this trial proprietary guar meal protein concentrate (MYCOPRIME®, Panghea SPA, Milan, Italy) replaced different percentages of conventional proteins in feed for rainbow trout, to investigate its effects on zootechnical performances during the fattening phase of rainbow trout.
Materials and Methods
A total of 2700 rainbow trout (mean body weight 50±1.4g) were reared at the initial stocking density of 15 kg/m3 in 12 concrete tanks (6x1x0.5m). The principal water physical-chemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH) were recorded daily. Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN), nitrites (NO2-N) and nitrates (NO3-N) were determined weekly using a spectrophotometer (Hach mod-2005, Hach Company, Loveland, USA) following the American Water Works Association and Water Pollution Control Federation of American Public Health Association (APHA) standard methods (1995).
Trout were fed twice a day ad libitum; each diet was administered to fish of three tanks. The Control diet (CD) was a growing feed available for trout with 43% of proteins and 25.3% of lipids (% as it is). The two experimental feeds (D5 and D15) were formulated isoproteic and isolipidic; a partial replacement with guar meal concentrate (5% in the D5 and 15% in the D15) of fish meal, chicken meal and soybean meal was applied.
The trial was performed during a standard zootechnical cycle and lasted 90 days. Final mean weight (g) and Final mean length (cm) were recorded and Palatability was calculated. Water physical-chemical parameters, fish biometric parameters and final productive traits were submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with p<0.05.
Results and discussion
The water physical-chemical parameters showed a very similar trend in terms of temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH during the whole trial. The nitrogen compounds demonstrated significant differences in TAN, having the highest ammonia concentration in D15 tank (0.44 ± 0.01 mg/L) compared to CD (0.24 ± 0.09 mg/L) and D5 (0.22 ± 0.06 mg/L). Nitrites ranged between 0.01 ± 0.001 mg/L (D15) and 0.02 ± 0.002 mg/L (CD). Nitrates varied between 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/L (D15) and 1.1 ± 0.4 mg/L (CD) without significant statistical differences. Brinker et al. observed negative effects on fine solid particles using diets with guar meal replacement, that clogged biofilters, in a recirculating water system (Brinker A. and Fredrich C., 2012); this condition occurred also in tank D15.
Concerning the biometric parameters, the final mean weight of trout receiving D5 (201.00 ± 3.7 g) and CD (198.8 ± 3.8 g) showed similar results, significantly major in comparison with D15 (171.2 ± 5.1 g). Final mean length didn’t show significant differences. Feed palatability resulted higher in CD and D5 diets in comparison to D15; in fact, presumably, trout fed with D15 reached the satiation before and this condition affected also the final zootechnical performances as shown by the lowest final mean body weight. This negative output could have been caused also by the reduction of the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and crude lipid due to the highest inclusion of guar gum (Liu et al., 2022).
Conclusions
Considering the zootechnical performances, the 5% inclusion of guar meal protein concentrate in fish feed resulted to be positive. Further analysis concerning fish welfare status and feed efficiency are going to be performed to confirm the satisfactory results
Testudines Intranuclear Coccidium: The Parasite That Breaks a Biological Paradigm. Immunohistochemical Characterization of Lesions and Host Immune Response
No full textTestudines Intra-Nuclear Coccidiosis (TINC) is an infectious emerging disease in chelonians, caused by a coccidium ascribed to the Eimeriidae family. Vertebrates coccidia commonly have endozoic cytoplasmic development, although at least 11 species of Eimeria, Isospora and Cyclospora are caryotropic, having intranuclear life stages. This represents a unique behavior where an eukaryotic cell (parasite) enters into the nucleus of another eukaryotic cell (host), breaking a biological paradigm and opening new questions about parasite-host interaction. The aim of the present work was to characterize tissue and cellular lesions, uncovering the host defense and immune response mechanisms. In order to explore these aspects we performed immunohistochemistry (CD3, CD21, F4/80, S100, IL-1,and TUNEL assay using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (kidney, intestine, liver, lung, spleen) from five dead patients ascribed to the species Astrochelys radiata (n= 2), Cuora aurocapitata (n= 1), Stigmochelys pardalis (n= 2) with TINC generalized infection positive histology. TINC PCR was also performed in three patients from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues to verify the presence of the parasite. Anamnesis referred lethargy, anorexia and hematological data showed mild to severe anemia and leukocytosis. Histology revealed intranuclear protozoans (different endozoic forms) mainly localized in liver, kidney and lungs. Parasitism was accompanied by small foci of hepatic and renal tubular epithelial cells death with interstitial lymphomonocytic infiltrate and numerous activated melanomacrophage centers (MMCs). In particular, immunohistochemistry results revealed CD3+ T cells and F4/80+ macrophages. S100+, IL-1+ intranuclear structures, morphologically compatible with parasite endozoic forms, were highlighted in hepatic, bile ducts and renal tubular epithelial cells. Parasite infected cells generally showed TUNEL+ signal. PCR results confirmed the presence of the parasite in one patient. Lesions immunophenotyping unveils the cell-mediated nature of the host immune response characterized by a strong antigen presenting cells multi-organ surveillance, as suggested by the numerous activated MMCs. The parasite high potential systemic invasion is probably the result of an evolved strategy that takes advantage from the phagocyte cells network as a cellular “Trojan horse”. The S100+, IL-1+ intranuclear structures reveals from one side the existence of parasite motility adaptation in the eukaryotic nuclear context and from the other the host response, activating the caspase-1 dependent trigger to pyroptosis, with DNA fragmentation as demonstrated by the TUNEL assay
AN UNUSUAL VASCULAR TUMOR IN A FISCHER’S LOVEBIRD (AGAPORNIS FISCHERI)
No full textA 6 year old female Fischer’s lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) was conducted for necropsy, with a cutaneous mass on the neck, 3,5 cm in diameter, yelding and with blood content. Histopathological findings showed a neoplasm characterized by proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. The histology of the mass revealed a multinodular, focally infiltrating tumor. Deeper dermal nodules were made of spindle cells forming vascular slits reminescent of the histology seen in Kaposi’s sarcoma. More superficially located dermal nodules consisted of small blood vessels, with histology resembling capillary hemangioma. The spindle cells and capillaries were strongly positive for vimentin, endothelial cell marker CD31, and negative for sarcomeric α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Intravascular platelet trapping and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive hyaline globules were also observed. Differential diagnosis included Kaposi’s sarcoma, capillary haemangioma, spindle cells haemangioendothelioma, and epithelioid haemangioendothelioma. Based on morphological and immunohistochemical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a cutaneous Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma, a rare, low-grade malignant vascular neoplasm. In this case, parrot death occurred for a severe glomerular amyloidosis, associated with chronic widespread tubular nephrosis. Other organs showed no abnormalities. To the best of our knowledge, this unusual case is the third report of Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma in any non-human animal species, the first described in a psittacine bird
Managing the Avian Microbiome in Health and Disease
No full textThis session begins with a review of avian gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology. The intestinal
microbiota of birds is examined focusing on important interactions that support avian immune system
function and homeostasis. Original scientific research in birds is presented, documenting the effects of
probiotic therapy in such diverse conditions as atoxoplasmosis, megabacteriosis, proventricular dilatation
disease, and IgA stimulation in hand-reared nestlings. The session concludes with a review and analysis
of products available to the avian practitioner
Systematic Review of Histopathological Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates) Placental Alterations Correlated to Healthy Neonates and Perinatal Mortality Events
No full textIn mammals, placentation is associated with several steps of vascular adaptations throughout pregnancy. These vascular changes occur both on the maternal and fetal sides, consisting of maternal uterine spiral arteries remodeling and placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively. Placental angiogenesis is a pivotal process for efficient fetomaternal exchanges and placental development. This process is finely controlled throughout pregnancy, and it involves ubiquitous and pregnancy-specific angiogenic factors. We describe placentae from 12 bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) mothers, of which 8 were from females with uncomplicated pregnancies, and the remaining (4) were associated with various maternal and fetal disorders. Only in two cases, perinatal mortality occurred. The purpose of this study was to describe the various microscopic findings in the placentae, and to correlate them with various clinical abnormalities. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were used which were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and by IHC. This study found a significantly increased prevalence of calcifications, syncytial knots, infarcts and fibrinoid necrosis in cases of probable Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), as compared to cases of Normal Gestation (NG). Also, the prevalence of sclerotic villi, syncytial knots and chorangiosis suggest some possible cases of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) than in cases of NG. In addition, the prevalence of sclerotic villi, syncytial knots, infarcts and fibrinoid necrosis was significantly more in cases of maternal mild or moderate anemia (MA) than in cases of NG. Overall, the study showed several significant microscopic findings in placentae from mothers and/or foetuses affected by various pathological processes. IHC revealed constant absence of Toxoplasma gondii infection, and different levels and patterns of expression of endocrine gland derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) or prokineticin 1 (PROK1). PROK1 has emerged as specific placental angiogenic factor that controls many aspects of normal and pathological placental angiogenesis. Upon the histopathological lesions documented, we suspected that in dolphin MA, PIH, and probably GDM may be present and understimated problems. Placental examination, particularly by an accurate histological exam, provides information of the type and severity of the condition complicating the pregnancy
Trichoepithelioma in a Chick African Grey-Parrot (Psittacus Erithacus): Surgical Approach and Histomorphological Evaluation
No full textDespite that feather folliculoma, a benign tumor of the feather follicle, is common in canary and budgerigar, trichoepithelioma, a similar benign follicle tumor, has never been reported in birds. A 3-month-old African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was presented for evaluation of a cutaneous mass on the head. After a full clinical examination, a Computed Tomography showed a soft tissue, rounded mildly isodense mass at the level of the frontal bones, without bone involvement. The neoformation was excised using a CO2 laser and sent to the Laboratory for a comprehensive histological examination. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to well characterize the neoplasm, using PCK, CD10 and Vimentin. Vimentin was used to evaluated the positivity of tumoral stroma / dermal fibroblasts and to evaluate the co-expression in CD10 positive parabasal stromal cells. PCK were used to demonstrate the expression in epithelial cells of proliferating phollicular epithelium, but not in stromal CD10 and vimentin positive cells. Positive immunohistochemistry for CD10 is helpful in differentiating trichoepitheliomas from basal cell carcinomas. In trichoepitheliomas CD10 stains the stromal cells but not the epithelial cells. Trichoepithelioma is a superficial dermal lesion. Horn cysts are the most characteristic histologic feature. Tumor consist of a fully keratinized center surrounded
by basophilic cells that have the same appearance as the cells in the basal cell carcinoma, except that they tend to lack high-grade atypia and mitoses. A 2-year follow-up after surgery, there is no recurrence of the tumor. This is the first report of trichoepithelioma in a young psittacine bird
A NEW ELISA METHOD TO EVALUATE THE HUMORAL HOST RESPONSE TO MACRORHABDUS ORNITHOGASTER PROVENTRICULAR INFECTION IN BIRDS
Full text linkIn several species of birds, the infection with Macrorhabdus ornithogaster (MO) and the associated proventriculitis has long been known1,2. To date, no study has shown whether MO infection induces a specific immune response in affected birds. Positive aviaries of canaries and budgerigars have been identified and blood collections have been performed randomly in apparently healthy and symptomatic birds. Sera were preliminarily screened for a potential presence of specific antibodies, using of an immunohistochemical test performed with sections of heavily infected proventriculi as target antigen, incubated with the collected sera used as primary antibodies. Positive and negative control sera were then used to setting-up an indirect ELISA test, which was the first achievement of our study. After determination of a specific and titratable humoral response to the infection by affected birds, we determined some protein and glycolipid fractions that represent the most important antigens to which the antibody response occurs, using a Western Blotting test. In this analysis, proteins belonging to whole MO sonicated cells were separated by electrophoresis and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane, in order to be used as antigen substrate and incubated with previously screened hyper immune sera. As a result, it was demonstrated that antigens belonging to MO cells (a cluster of proteins with molecular weight between 35 and 21 kDa) are recognized by sera of budgerigars and canaries heavily infected by this yeast. Further studies will be necessary in order to characterize these proteins, essential for the realization of subsequent immunization trials
In vitro and ex vivo evaluation of the anti-Giardia duodenalis activity of the supernatant of Slab51 (SivoMixx)
Full text linkThe effects on Giardia duodenalis of Slab51 probiotic supernatants were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. In vitro, Slab51 (101 UFC) was cultured and the obtained supernatant was filtered, adjusted at pH 7, and added (100μl/ml) as such (Slab51 FS) or after heat-treatment, to G. duodenalis cultures to evaluate its effects on G. duodenalis trophozoites growth and adherence. For comparison, negative and metronidazole (20μg/ml) treated controls were used. The morphological and ultrastructural alterations of G. duodenals trophozoites following treatment with Slab51 FS supernatant were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Ex vivo, mice duodenal portions were cultivated in standard conditions with 5x105 G. duodenalis trophozoites/ml, while to further five duodenal portions similarly cultured and infected, Slab51 FS 200μl was added. After 12 and 18h, samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and histologically processed to score Giardia infection and cell damage. Cell proliferation/apoptosis was scored by Ki67, TUNEL and Caspase-3 tests. All experiments were conducted in triplicate throughout the study. All data were statistically evaluated (P< 0.05). Results showed that Slab51 FS significantly reduced Giardia growth and adherence respect to negative controls, but its efficacy was overall lower than that of metronidazole. Moreover, the effects of Slab51 FS were significantly lowered by heat-treatment and this reduction was statistically higher at 90°C than at 56°C, indicating a heat-sensitive nature of active Slab51 FS compounds. At the ultrastructural level, Slab51 FS treated Giardia trophozoites were swelling, increased in size and showed alterations of their cellular membrane and vacuole patterns, loss of the nuclear envelope and nuclear architecture. In ex vivo trials, viable G. duodenalis trophozoites and enterocyte TUNEL+ and Caspase-3 expression were significantly reduced in intestinal sections added with Slab51 FS, while enterocyte Ki67 expression was significantly increased, confirming the anti-G. duodenalis activity of Slab51 FS observed in vitro. In conclusion, results from this study showed that the fresh culture supernatant of the commercial probiotic Slab51 has anti-G. duodenalis properties both in vitro and ex vivo in a mouse model
Air Sacs Trematodiasis and Related Pathology in Two Common Blackbirds (Turdus merula)
Full text linkAir sacs trematodiasis is rarely reported in birds. Necropsy of two free-ranging common blackbirds (Turdus merula), found dead in central Italy, revealed the presence of a large number of flukes in the coelomatic cavity. Histologically air sac walls were covered with a mild fibrinous exudate containing degenerate heterophils, fibrin, some bacterial colonies (grampositive
cocci), and trematodes. The superficial bronchi and parabronchi were markedly distended with mucoid material containing bacterial colonies, and the adjacent pulmonary parenchyma was congested and collapsed. Large numbers of trematodes, surrounded by a mild to moderate suppurative to pyogranulomatous inflammatory reaction, were observed on the intestinal, pericardial, and hepatic serosal surfaces. The parasite number and bacterial bronchopneumonia, aerosacculitis, and serositis were of sufficient intensity to have resulted in death of these birds. At microscopical examination, flukes showed a tongue-shaped elongate body of 2,088-2,314 μm in with and 8,268 -11,830 μm in length, tapered anteriorly and rounded at the posterior end. The mouth was slightly oval and sub-terminal with a weakly developed oral sucker. The oval and well developed pharynx measured 250-309 μm and the two caeca joined posteriorly. Two large (550-702 μm x 450-520 μm), globular testes were situated obliquely to each other, while the intertesticular ovalar (250 x 300 μm) or round (about 334 μm) ovary was placed in a longitudinal straight line with the testes. The ootype was about 110 μm in diameter, while the brown-yellow eggs measured 131.52 x 73.86 μm in mean. The genital pore was post-pharyngeal, while the vitelline glands were arranged symmetrically and were not confluent posteriorly. For morphology and dimensions, the species here examined was identified with Morishitium (Cyclocoelum) polonicum as described by Machalska (1980) in T. merula (1,2). This fluke species typically inhabits the air
sacs of blackbirds and in its life cycle terrestrial snails are intermediate hosts. In Italy, this species was previously reported in T. merula from an area neighboring that where the blackbird here examined lived (3). Dimensions and morphology of the species reported by Visconti (1988) are similar to that of the species here examined. In our knowledge, this is the first description of pathological lesions caused by M. polonicum in Turdus merula
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