MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS OF EQUINE HEAD DISORDERS: 84 CASES (2000–2013)

The equine head is an anatomically complex area, therefore advanced tomographic imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are often required for diagnosis and treatment planning. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to describe MRI characteristics for a large sample of horses with head disorders. Horses imaged over a period of 13 years were recruited. Eighty‐four horses met the inclusion criteria, having neurological (n = 65), sinonasal (n = 14), and soft tissue (n = 5) disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging accurately depicted the anatomy and allowed identification of the primary lesion and associated changes. There were good correlations between MRI findings and intraoperative or postmortem results. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the exact localization of the lesions, their size, and relation to surrounding structures. However, in the neurological group, there were 45 horses with no MRI abnormalities, 29 of which had a history of recurrent seizures, related to cryptogenic epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging was otherwise a valuable diagnostic tool, and can be used for studying a broad range of head disorders using either low‐field or high‐field magnets.     

Single neurons in the monkey hippocampus and learning of new associations

The medial temporal lobe is crucial for the ability to learn and retain new declarative memories. This form of memory includes the ability to quickly establish novel associations between unrelated items. To better understand the patterns of neural activity during associative memory formation, we recorded the activity of hippocampal neurons of macaque monkeys as they learned new associations. Hippocampal neurons signaled learning by changing their stimulus-selective response properties. This change in the pattern of selective neural activity occurred before, at the same time as, or after learning, which suggests that these neurons are involved in the initial formation of new associative memories.     

Deformation analysis of composite reinforcing fabrics through yarn pull-out, drape and shear tests

This study reveals a new method based on image processing of bias extension test results to determine shear angle that characterizes the shear properties of fabric reinforcements. This way the simple and exact determination of shear angle with conventional devices is solved. The new method was tested on fabric reinforcements made of carbon, aramid and glass fibers and the results were compared with that of two known versions of bias extension tests. The analysis of the relation between shear angle and other deformation properties that characterize spatial deformation behavior involved the comparison of shear test results with yarn pull-out and drape tests carried out with special methods.     

Environmental conditions in a lagoon and their possible effects on shellfish contamination by Giardia and Cryptosporidium

Over a 1-year period, we carried out an analysis for the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts in 934 specimens taken from four species of shellfish farmed in the Varano Lagoon. We also studied the chemical, physical and meteo-climatic parameters in the same environment, to evaluate the possible effects of environmental conditions on protozoan contamination in farmed shellfish. Using both IF and molecular tests, all 38 pools of shellfish gave negative values for Giardia and Cryptosporidium oo/cysts, thus confirming previous investigations. The environmental factors considered having a negative influence on the survival of Giardia and Cryptosporidium are high water temperatures (8–29°C) and high salinity levels (23–32?ppt). However, the small amount of freshwater discharged into the lagoon (up to 0.0091?m³ s^?1), the long-lasting solar irradiation (mean of 896?W?m^?2) and the shallowness of the lagoon (mean 2.5?m) may also have a synergic effect in limiting the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in the lagoon.     

The challenge of maintaining Atlantic forest biodiversity: A multi-taxa conservation assessment of specialist and generalist species in an agro-forestry mosaic in southern Bahia

Recent developments have highlighted the importance of forest amount at large spatial scales and of matrix quality for ecological processes in remnants. These developments, in turn, suggest the potential for reducing biodiversity loss through the maintenance of a high percentage of forest combined with sensitive management of anthropogenic areas. We conducted a multi-taxa survey to evaluate the potential for biodiversity maintenance in an Atlantic forest landscape that presented a favorable context from a theoretical perspective (high proportion of mature forest partly surrounded by structurally complex matrices). We sampled ferns, butterflies, frogs, lizards, bats, small mammals and birds in interiors and edges of large and small mature forest remnants and two matrices (second-growth forests and shade cacao plantations), as well as trees in interiors of small and large remnants. By considering richness, abundance and composition of forest specialists and generalists, we investigated the biodiversity value of matrix habitats (comparing them with interiors of large remnants for all groups except tree), and evaluated area (for all groups) and edge effects (for all groups except trees) in mature forest remnants. Our results suggest that in landscapes comprising high amounts of mature forest and low contrasting matrices: (1) shade cacao plantations and second-growth forests harbor an appreciable number of forest specialists; (2) most forest specialist assemblages are not affected by area or edge effects, while most generalist assemblages proliferate at edges of small remnants. Nevertheless, differences in tree assemblages, especially among smaller trees, suggest that observed patterns are unlikely to be stable over time.     

Bendiocarbamate induced alterations in selected parameters of rabbit homeostasis after experimental peroral administration

The aim of this work was to determinate the effect of carbamate insecticide bendiocarb (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl N-methylcarbamate) on selected parameters of rabbit homeostasis. Animals were divided into four groups (control C, and experimental groups E1, E2 and E3 according to days of administration 10, 15 and 25 days). Animals from experimental groups received bendiocarb per os in a dose 5 mg/kg of body weight per day. Significant increase of creatinine content in E3 group (the longest administration of bendiocarb), increase of aspartate aminotransferase (E1 and E3 against control group) and gamma glutamyl transferase (E3 against control group) and decrease of glutamate dehydrogenase (E1 against control group) inform about possible failure of liver and/or kidney caused by bendiocarb. Decrease of haemoglobin (significantly in E3 group against control group), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) concentration (in all experimental groups), platelet count (in all experimental groups) can signify defection in haemoplastic system.     

CASE REPORT: Bilateral phacoemulsification in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

A 14‐year‐old, female, captive‐born orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) developed bilateral cataracts. Ultrasonography, electroretinography and cataract correction using phacoemulsification were performed bilaterally. This case report aims to describe the ophthalmic procedures performed in this animal critically endangered of extinction. The surgery successfully restored vision and normal activity to the patient.     

Ulvan-Based Nanofibrous Patches Enhance Wound Healing of Skin Trauma Resulting from Cryosurgical Treatment of Keloids

Keloids are skin fibroproliferative disorders, resulting from abnormal healing of deep cutaneous injuries. Cryosurgery, the most common treatment for keloids, causes skin traumas. Even though the clinical practice of cryosurgery has increased, effective wound healing therapy is still lacking. In this investigation, nonwoven nanofibrous patches composed of ulvan, a marine sulfated polysaccharide exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were fabricated through electrospinning and characterized. Their wound healing efficacy on skin traumas resulting from cryosurgical treatment of keloids was clinically tested and evaluated in comparison to a reference product. Twenty-four volunteer patients undergoing cryosurgery as a treatment of keloids were selected to apply either the ulvan/PEO patch or the reference product for 21 days. The ulvan/PEO patch, 21 days after cryosurgery, showed significant wound healing, elimination of skin inflammation, restoration of biophysical parameters similar to normal values and significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration, skin texture and volume, while no discomfort or adverse reaction was observed. In contrast, the reference product showed inferior performance in all evaluated parameters. The designed ulvan/PEO patch represents the first wound dressing to effectively heal skin trauma after cryosurgical treatment of keloids.     

Morpho‐physiological variation of Poa alpina L. genetic resources from the Rhaetian Alps,Italy, grown in two altitude‐contrasting sites

Alpine bluegrass (Poa alpina L.) is common in mountain areas, where it represents a valuable forage resource and is widely used for ecological restoration of disturbed landscapes. This study assessed the variation of germplasm from the Rhaetian Alps, Italy. Both seed production and morphology were examined for potential use in restoration projects and for conservation and selection purposes of local genetic resources. The effects of the ex situ growing site were also assessed in two altitude‐contrasting sites. Individual populations harboured great phenotypic diversity for all traits, including seed yield, while variation among valleys of origin was less manifest. Noticeable site‐specific population yield responses were observed, suggesting that the environment adopted for seed production may steer the choice of materials to be multiplied. The longer vegetative period in the lowland site, combined with environment‐tailored agronomic practices, contributed to better plant growth, seed yield and survival compared to the mountain site, suggesting that seed production of this Alpine species could be feasible in a lowland environment when adequate inputs were provided. One valley (Valchiavenna) displayed high average levels of seed yield and plant vigour across growing sites, indicating its possible value as a source of germplasm suitable for resowing at high altitude.     

Aerophobin-1 from the Marine Sponge Aplysina aerophoba Modulates Osteogenesis in Zebrafish Larvae

Longer life expectancy has led to an increase in efforts directed to the discovery of new healing agents for disorders related to aging, such as bone diseases. Harboring an incredible variety of bioactive metabolites, marine organisms are standing out as fruitful sources also in this therapeutic field. On the other hand, the in vivo zebrafish model has proven to be an excellent low-cost screening platform for the fast identification of molecules able to regulate bone development. By using zebrafish larvae as a mineralization model, we have thus evaluated the effects of the crude acetonic extract from the marine sponge Aplysina aerophoba and its bromotyrosine components on bone development. Obtained results led to the selection of aerophobin-1 (1) as a promising candidate for applications in regenerative medicine, paving the way for the development of a novel therapeutic option in osteoporosis treatment.