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

[EN] 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 outbreaksSIThis work was supported by National Funds from FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under grant number 2021.04520.BD. The authors of the research unit CITAB (CJB and PAO) received funding from FCT; reference for the project UIDB/04033/2020. The author of the research unit CECAV (FS) received funding from FCT; reference for the project UIDB/CVT/00772/202

Patohistološke lezije u običnog jelena (Cervus elaphus) iz mjesta Idanha-a-Nova i Lousã (Portugal): preliminarni rezultati

The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is a wild ungulate and game species with a broad distribution in Portugal. In Idanha-a-Nova (Castelo Branco) there is a particular interest in studying these populations due to the importance of the hunting industry to the regional economy, and the recognised role of ungulates as reservoirs of infectious agents to livestock and humans. This histopathology survey aimed to compare deer lesions from Idanha-a-Nova (n=16) and Lousã (n=4). Samples from the lung, liver and kidney of animals were collected during the hunting season. The results reveal a high prevalence of parasitic bronchitis (13/20; 65%), especially in Idanha-a-Nova (11/16; 68.8%). Moreover, many animals presented non-purulent nephritis (8/20; 40%). No statistically significant differences were found between regions or genders for any lesion. This survey provides an overview of the health status of the red deer populations in these regions. Further studies are crucial to better know the sanitary situation of these populations and under the One Health perspective, to apply protective measures for animal, hunter and consumer health.Obični je jelen (Cervus elaphus) divlji kopitar i vr- sta divljači koja je vrlo raširena u Portugalu. U mjestu Idanha-a-Nova (Castelo Branco) postoji poseban in- teres za istraživanje ovih populacija uslijed važnosti lovne industrije za regionalnu ekonomiju, uz pre- poznatu ulogu kopitara kao rezervoara uzročnika infekcija stoke i ljudi. Ovaj smo patohistološki pre- gled pisali s ciljem usporedbe lezije jelena iz mjesta Idanha-a-Nova (n=16) i Lousã (n=4). Tijekom sezone lova prikupljeni su uzorci iz pluća, jetre i bubrega svih životinja. Rezultati su otkrili veliku prevalenciju bronhitisa prouzročenog parazitima (13/20; 65 %), posebno u mjestu Idanha-a-Nova (11/16; 68,8 %), a brojne životinje su imale i negnojni nefritis (8/20; 40 %). Nisu otkrivene nikakve statistički značajne raz- like između regija i spolova za bilo koju leziju. Ova studija daje pregled zdravstvenog statusa populacije običnog jelena u tim regijama. Dodatne studije su ključne za bolje poznavanje zdravstvenih prilika tih populacija, iz perspektive Jednog zdravlja, u svrhu poduzimanja mjera zaštite zdravlja potrošča, lovaca i životinja

Restoring catalase activity in Staphylococcus aureus subsp. anaerobius leads to loss of pathogenicity for lambs

Staphylococcus aureus subsp. anaerobius, a microaerophilic and catalase-negative bacterium, is the etiological agent of abscess disease, a specific chronic condition of sheep and goats, which is characterized by formation of necrotic lesions that are located typically in superficial lymph nodes. We constructed an isogenic mutant of S. aureus subsp. anaerobius (RDKA84) that carried a repaired and functional catalase gene from S. aureus ATCC 12600, to investigate whether the lack of catalase in S. aureus subsp. anaerobius plays a role in its physiological and pathogenic characteristics. The catalase activity had no apparent influence on the in vitro growth characteristics of RDKA84, which, like the wild-type, did not grow on aerobically incubated agar plates. Restoration of catalase activity in RDKA84 substantially increased resistance to H2O2 when analyzed in a death assay. The intracellular survival rates of the catalase-positive mutant RDKA84 in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) isolated from adult sheep were significantly higher than those of the wild-type, while no differences were found with PMN isolated from lambs. RDKA84 showed significantly lower survival rates in murine macrophages (J774A.1 cells) than the wild-type strains did, whereas, in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T), no differences in intracellular survival were observed. Interestingly, the virulence for lambs, the natural host for abscess disease, of the catalase-positive mutant RDKA84 was reduced dramatically in comparison with wild-type S. aureus subsp. anaerobius in two experimental models of infection

Wild Boars (Sus scrofa, L. 1758) from Castile and Leon Region (Spain): A Histopathology Survey

[EN] Wild boars are wild ungulates with a wide distribution in Europe, with a relevant role in wildlife and public health. In Spain, high (and sometimes artificial) densities of wild boars are responsible for several health problems. Regular surveys, with hunters’ collaboration, are crucial to monitor these diseases. Histological analyses were performed for lung, liver, and kidneys from 72 wild boars (58 from Zamora, 16 from Palencia). Lungs were the most affected organs, mainly revealing parasitic pneumonia (34.7%). Hydropic, vacuolar, and other cellular changes (33.3%) and congestion (16.7%) were found in the liver, and only 30.6% of the wild boars presented no alterations in this organ. Regarding the kidney, non-purulent nephritis (22.2%) was the most common lesion. This study gives an overview of the health status of wild boar populations in Castile and León. Other laboratory analyses are needed to obtain definitive diagnoses of these lesions, reach other conclusions, or apply any mitigation strategies to protect animals’ or consumers’ healthSIThis work was supported by National Funds by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the grant 2021.04520.BD. The authors of the research unit CITAB (Jota Baptista, C. and Oliveira, P.A.) received funding from FCT; reference of the project UIDB/04033/2020. The author of the research unit CECAV (Seixas, F.) received funding from FCT; reference of the project UIDB/CVT/00772/202

Necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli from sheep and goats produce a new type of cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF3) associated with the eae and ehxA genes

Fecal samples from sheep and goats were screened by tissue-culture assays and PCR for the presence of necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli (NTEC) producing cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNFs). Of the 18 NTEC strains assayed, four were positive for the cnf1 gene while 14 strains were negative for the cnf1 and cnf2 genes. All of the NTEC strains had the eae gene and most of them also carried the ehxA gene. Moreover, all the cnf1– cnf2– NTEC strains were negative for several virulence markers associated with CNF1+ or CNF2+ strains. The cnf gene present in one of these strains was sequenced and analysis of the gene product revealed a new type of CNF, which was named CNF3 (and the coding gene cnf3). Oligonucleotide primers were designed to PCR-amplify a fragment of cnf3. The results showed that all strains examined in this study, except one cnf1+strain, were cnf3+. The association of cnf3 with eae and ehxA suggests that cnf3+ NTEC strains might be pathogenic for humans. [Int Microbiol 2007; 10(1):47-55

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a potential reservoir of infectious agents in Portugal: a review of two decades (2001–2021)

[EN] The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a mammal with a broad distribution in the Eurasian territory and a potential reservoir for several zoonotic pathogens. Besides being part of the Mediterranean ecosystem and perpetuating these agents in the environment, this species is usually consumed in the Iberian Peninsula, representing a potential public health threat. Due to its extensive expansion and colonization of new geographical areas, which leads to increasing contact with humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, infectious disease assessments are crucial. During the last two decades (2001–2021), several researchers have studied wild boars to identify, understand, and predict potential health risks and disease outbreaks in animals and humans. North-eastern, central-eastern (mainly because of tuberculosis), and southern Portugal were the regions where most pathogens have been identified. Some agents with zoonotic importance (but with few reported data) should be the focus of future surveillance studies, such as Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., or Trichinella spp. This review aims to summarize the available information on pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) reported in wild boars, in Portugal, in the last two decades, with a particular focus on agents with zoonotic potential.SIOpen access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on). This work was supported by National Funds by FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the grant 2021.04520.BD. The authors of the research unit CITAB (Jota Baptista, C. and Oliveira, P.A.) received funding from FCT; reference of the project UIDB/04033/2020. The author of the research unit CECAV (Seixas, F.) received funding from FCT; reference of the projects UIDB/CVT/00772/2020 and LA/P/0059/202

Control de campo de ayudas agrarias basado en telefonía móvil

Hoy día, la mayoría de los datos que se manejan llevan asociados una componente geográfica. Bajo este contexto asistimos a un acercamiento de tecnologías empleadas por usuarios expertos hacia usuarios genéricos. En este marco se plantea la integración de las nuevas tecnologías en el control de las ayudas agrarias. Actualmente, los procesos de control de ayudas agrarias se basan fundamentalmente en visitas de campo con objeto de certificar el uso del suelo. Esta metodología de control origina una movilización importante de personal y equipos, empleando simultáneamente dispositivos como cámara fotográfica, tablet-PC, GPS, etc. El objetivo de este proyecto ha sido el desarrollo de una aplicación para telefonía móvil aprovechando los distintos sensores que se encuentran integrados en él, utilizando terminales que añaden nuevas funcionalidades, asegurando la integridad de la información, mejorando su correcta interpretación así como estableciendo diferentes canales de difusión. El proyecto se ha desarrollado bajo Android, empleando librerías de código abierto y de ejecución independiente al fabricante del dispositivo telefónico. El resultado es un software que integra información de diferentes sensores, presentando el terminal móvil apto para los trabajos de control de campo, reduciendo el material a emplear y mejorando la integridad de la información.Today, most data we use is associated with a geographic component. In this context we are witnessing a convergence in technologies used by expert users to generic users. In this framework we look at the integration of new technologies in the control of agricultural aid. Currently, control processes agricultural subsidies are fundamentally based on field visits in order to certify the land use. This control methodology results in a significant mobilization of personnel and equipment, using devices like a camera, tablet PC, GPS, etc. The objective of this project has been to develop a mobile application taking advantage of the different sensors that are integrated into it, using terminals that add new functionality, ensuring data integrity, improving its correct interpretation as well as establishing different channels diffusion. The project has been developed under Android, using open source libraries independent to the device manufacturer. The result is software that integrates information from different sensors, introducing the mobile terminal suitable for the work of field control, reducing the material to be used and improved data integrity

Effects of testosterone and exercise training on bone microstructure of rats

[EN] 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)SIWe thank to Eva Pascual de la Calle y Vanessa Loredo López, from Unidad de Imagen PreclínicaBioterio, Universidad de Oviedo. This study was supported by National Funds by FCT – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects UIDB/04033/2020, UIDB/CVT/00772/2020 and the Ph.D. grant 2021.04520.B

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).publishe

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

[EN] 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)SIThis research was funded by National Funds by FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UID/AGR/04033/2019 and FEDER/COMPETE/POCI—Operational Competitiveness and Internationalization Program, under Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016728 and National Funds by FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project PTDC/DTP-DES/6077/201