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Glioblastoma is the most frequent and aggressive brain tumor in adults. This study aims to evaluate the expression and prognostic impact of CD99, a membrane glycoprotein involved in cellular migration and invasion. In a cohort of patients with glioblastoma treated with surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide, we retrospectively analyzed tumor expression of CD99 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for both the wild type (CD99wt) and the truncated (CD99sh) isoforms. The impact on overall survival (OS) was assessed with the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test and by multivariable Cox regression. Forty-six patients with glioblastoma entered this study. Immunohistochemical expression of CD99 was present in 83%. Only the CD99wt isoform was detected by qRT-PCR and was significantly correlated with CD99 expression evaluated by IHC (rho = 0.309, p = 0.037). CD99 expression was not associated with OS, regardless of the assessment methodology used (p = 0.61 for qRT-PCR and p = 0.73 for IHC). In an exploratory analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas, casuistry of glioblastomas CD99 expression was not associated with OS nor with progression-free survival. This study confirms a high expression of CD99 in glioblastoma but does not show any significant impact on survival. Further preclinical studies are needed to define its role as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study examined the use of a permanent esophago-gastric tube (EG tube) in sea turtles as an alternative to force-feeding. The study included 195 marine turtles that had surgery to place a permanent EG tube between 2008 and 2022. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) needed EG tube placement due to their poor health for various diseases, which were categorized. The study analyzed the duration of EG tube placement in relation to the animals' condition and injuries, considering any complications or differences between the two facilities. Efficient nutritional support plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of sea turtles, ensuring a positive, swift, and successful recovery from clinical conditions for their reintroduction into the wild. For sea turtles in severely emaciated and underweight condition, the primary objective is to facilitate weight gain in terms of both muscle mass and fat reserves. Traditionally, many sea turtle rehabilitators have employed the practice of force-feeding, which also involves the daily insertion of an orogastric tube from the mouth to the stomach. However, this technique may be highly stressful for the animals, carrying the risks of regurgitation and potential harm, requiring the removal of the animal from the water, and subjecting it to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous handling. The procedure may also involve risks for operators. In this study, we explore the utilization of a permanent esophago-gastric tube (EG tube) in sea turtles as an alternative to force-feeding, providing a respectful and appropriate approach to meeting the nutritional needs of patients. The administration of food, essential medications, and fluids is performed directly with the turtle in its tank, minimizing the stress associated with handling, while ensuring the safety of operators. The study involves 195 marine turtles that underwent surgery for the placement of a permanent EG tube between 2008 and 2022. Of these, 116 animals were treated at the Sea Turtle Clinic of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bari, South Adriatic Sea, Puglia (IT), and 79 patients were admitted to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of Lampedusa, Central Mediterranean Sea, Sicily (IT). The loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) required EG tube placement due to their poor condition related to various diseases, which were systematically categorized. The duration of EG tube placement was analyzed regarding the specific condition of the animals and the nature of their injuries, considering any complications or differences between the two facilities. The results of the study will provide valuable information for the ongoing care and treatment of marine turtles in rehabilitation facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Surgical treatment of sea turtle flipper fractures and the bones' subsequent repair process are not well documented in the scientific literature. This is the first case report describing the repair process of a multiple humeral flipper fracture in a sea turtle, after surgical stabilization, through periodic radiographic follow-up from 0 to 24 months. Due to the accidental death of the turtle 3 months after its release, it was possible to describe the progress of the fracture-healing process by histomorphometric analysis and to histologically compare the structure of the newly formed bone with the normal bone structure of these animals. Based on our findings in this case study, we may be able to obtain a better understanding of how repair tissue in marine turtles works, as well as helping with decisions regarding surgery. This study describes the surgical treatment of multiple humeral fractures in a Caretta caretta sea turtle referred by the 'Centro Faunistico del Parco Regionale Bosco e Paludi di Rauccio', in the area surrounding the city of Lecce, in southern Italy. Radiographs showed an evident detachment of the distal humeral epiphysis, compatible with a type II Salter-Harris fracture, as well as a transverse fracture of the diaphysis. After the surgical fracture reduction, radiographic follow-up was performed at 2, 4, 12, 16, and 24 months, showing a progressive healing and the formation of poorly mineralized callus tissue. Unfortunately, three months after his release at sea, the turtle was caught dead at a depth of 40 m. Histological and histomorphometric examinations of the surgically treated humerus were carried out on the corpse to collect further information about the bone tissue repair mechanisms in these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sea turtles are considered an endangered species, largely due to anthropogenic activities. Severe trauma in these species mainly involves the carapace and head. Studies on the incidence of head trauma in sea turtles and analysis of the survival rate after hospitalization performed on many subjects examined over a long period of time were missing in the scientific literature. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 1877 Caretta caretta, 29 of which showed head trauma. The severity of head injuries was assessed clinically and by neurological examination. CT examination was essential to evaluate the impaired central nervous system and sense organs. According to our scoring classification, most head traumatized turtles had severe injuries but in most cases, the animals showed no alteration in mentation state. Only 28% (8/29) of the turtles showed head damage related to severe neurological deficits. Indeed, 21 out of 29 sea turtles were released after a time ranging from a few days to 8 months. To the best of our knowledge, the literature lacks specific data on the incidence, correlations with neurological deficits, complications, and survival rate of traumatic head injuries in loggerhead sea turtles. Sea turtles are considered endangered species, largely due to anthropogenic activities. Much of the trauma in these species involves the carapace and skull, resulting in several degrees of damage to the pulmonary and nervous systems. Among traumatic injuries, those involving the skull can be complicated by brain exposure, and turtles with severe skull injuries that have nervous system impairment, emaciation, and dehydration can often die. Between July 2014 and February 2022, a total of 1877 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) were referred for clinical evaluation at the Sea Turtle Clinic (STC) of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Bari. A retrospective study of 29 consecutive cases of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) with skull lesions of different degrees of severity is reported. On admission, physical and neurological evaluations were performed to assess and grade the lesions and neurological deficits. In 20 of the 29 sea turtles with more serious head trauma, computed tomography (CT) findings in combination with physical and neurological assessment enabled the evaluation of the potential correlation between deficits and the extent of head injuries. All sea turtles underwent curettage of the skull wounds, and the treatment protocol included the use of the plant-derived dressing 1 Primary Wound Dressing® (Phytoceutical AG, Endospin Italia) applied on the wound surface as a primary dressing. Out of 29 sea turtles, 21 were released after a time ranging from a few days to 8 months. To the best of our knowledge, the literature lacks specific data on the incidence, correlations with neurological deficits, complications, and survival rate of loggerhead sea turtles with traumatic head injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A one-day history of dry paroxysmal cough, associated with retching, induced by canine parainfluenza virus without the simultaneous presence of other pathogens, has been reported in a vaccinated household dog. The dog did not show nasal discharge or fever, but it was possible to evoke a dry cough through the palpation of the trachea. Radiographic findings of the thorax showed a diffuse unstructured interstitial pattern with the involvement of multiple lung lobes. Trachea-bronchoscopy and broncho-alveolar lavage were carried out. Edema without exudate and congested mucosa from the larynx to bronchi were observed. Cytological evaluation was negative for the presence of inflammatory or infectious processes. Nucleic acids were extracted from the collected specimens; biomolecular investigations tested positive only for canine parainfluenza virus and negative for all other pathogens associated with "kennel cough". At first, the afebrile onset and the coughing fits suggested the presence of a foreign body, a common occurrence in Southern Italy during summer. The clinical signs and the absence of findings by cytology have directed the clinicians towards the correct diagnosis, with the support of biomolecular assays, which are fundamental to avoid underestimating the circulation of this virus, even in owned dogs. The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is an endemic respiratory syndrome caused by different bacterial and viral pathogens. This report describes a case of canine parainfluenza virus infection in a vaccinated household dog with an acute respiratory symptom (dry cough), who underwent clinical and endoscopic investigations for a suspected foreign body. Cytological investigations carried out on the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) tested negative for the presence of inflammatory or infectious processes and could have been misleading the clinicians. By the molecular analyses (PCR) carried out on the BALF, canine parainfluenza virus was exclusively detected without the simultaneous presence of other respiratory pathogens associated to CIRDC. This case report emphasizes the role of molecular diagnostics in the differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases, in order to avoid underestimating the circulation of the parainfluenza virus in the canine population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of bone tumors as a result of chronic osteomyelitis represents a relatively rare and late complication in humans and animals. We described a malignant transformation (chondroblastic osteosarcoma) in a 7-year-old German shepherd with a history of polyostotic osteomyelitis caused by Serratia liquefaciens when the dog was 15 months old. The tumor developed in the right humeral diaphysis, one of the sites of polyostotic osteomyelitis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of polyostotic osteomyelitis caused by Serratia liquefaciens in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feline cancer patients' owners are increasingly willing to undertake oncologic treatment, such as chemotherapy. Concerns regarding worsening quality of life are common since chemotherapy could cause toxicities, such as vomiting, nausea, anorexia, and consequently weight loss. In humans, mirtazapine effectively prevents chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, improving the quality of life in people receiving chemotherapy. Recently, the use of mirtazapine transdermal ointment has been evaluated in cats with non-cancer diseases. This study describes the use of transdermal mirtazapine administration in cats diagnosed with lymphoma and receiving chemotherapy. Patients included in the study did not receive any prophylactic anti-emetics other than transdermal mirtazapine. Data regarding patients, type of chemotherapy, and incidence of weight loss and gastrointestinal toxicities were retrospectively evaluated. Transdermal mirtazapine was well tolerated, and substantial weight loss was not observed in the 14 days following chemotherapy administration. These results support further studies assessing the impact of mirtazapine in preventing chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity in cats. In humans, mirtazapine can prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and improve cancer patients' quality of life (QoL). This drug is being increasingly used as an appetite stimulant in cats. The hypothesis of this retrospective study was that mirtazapine could reduce the incidence of CINV and weight loss in feline patients affected by lymphoma. The objectives were to report the use of mirtazapine transdermal ointment and assess the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and weight loss in cats diagnosed with lymphoma and receiving chemotherapy. Transdermal mirtazapine was topically administered to the inner surface of the pinna (2 mg/cat/daily) for 14 days following chemotherapy administration. Data recorded from 20 patients were collected. Different grades of GI toxicity were shown in 8/20 (40%) patients. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and muscle condition score (MCS) improved in 12/20 (60%), 6/20 (30%), and 2/20 (10%) cats, respectively. Mirtazapine-induced adverse events (AEs) occurred in 4/20 (20%) cats and did not require mirtazapine discontinuation. Substantial weight loss was not encountered, suggesting that patients had an adequate food intake after chemotherapy administration. Transdermal mirtazapine ointment was considered safe and well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The evolution of a bovine coronavirus (BCoV) natural infection in a calf persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was described. The infected calf developed intermittent nasal discharge, diarrhea and hyperthermia. The total number of leukocytes/mL and the absolute differential number of neutrophils and lymphocytes resulted within the normal range, but the monocytes increased at T28 (time 28 post-infection) and the CD8+ subpopulation increased at T7 and between T28 and T35. BCoV shedding in nasal discharges and feces was detected up to three weeks post infection (p.i.) and high antibody titers persisted for up to 8 weeks p.i. Virus shedding increased until T14, contrary to what was observed in a previous study where BCoV was detected with a lower load in the co-infected (BCoV/BVDV) calves than in the calves infected with BCoV only. We can suppose that BVDV may have exacerbated the long viral excretion, as well as favoring the onset of mutations in the genome of BCoV. An extensive study was performed to verify if the selective pressure in the S gene could be a natural mode of variation of BCoV. The evolution of a bovine coronavirus (BCoV) natural infection in a calf persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was described. The infected calf developed intermittent nasal discharge, diarrhea and hyperthermia. The total number of leukocytes/mL and the absolute differential number of neutrophils and lymphocytes resulted within the normal range, but monocytes increased at T28 (time 28 post-infection). Flow-cytometry analysis evidenced that the CD8+ subpopulation increased at T7 and between T28 and T35. BCoV shedding in nasal discharges and feces was detected up to three weeks post infection and high antibody titers persisted up to T56. The RNA BCoV load increased until T14, contrary to what was observed in a previous study where the fecal excretion of BCoV was significantly lower in the co-infected (BCoV/BVDV) calves than in the calves infected with BCoV only. We can suppose that BVDV may have modulated the BCoV infection exacerbating the long viral excretion, as well as favoring the onset of mutations in the genome of BCoV detected in fecal samples at T21. An extensive study was performed to verify if the selective pressure in the S gene could be a natural mode of variation of BCoV, providing data for the identification of new epidemic strains, genotypes or recombinant betacoronaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gram negative organisms are frequently isolated from Caretta caretta and may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, commensal bacteria isolated from oral and cloacal samples of 98 healthy C. caretta were compared to clinical isolates isolated from the wounds of 102 injured animals, in order to investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance bacteria in free-living loggerheads from the Adriatic Sea. A total of 410 bacteria were cultured and differences were noted in the isolated genera, as some of them were isolated only in healthy animals, while others were isolated only from injured animals. When tested for susceptibility to antimicrobials, clinical isolates showed highly significant differences in the antimicrobial resistance rates vs. commensal isolates for all the drugs tested, except for doxycycline. The detection of high antimicrobial resistance rates in loggerhead sea turtles is of clinical and microbiological significance since it impacts both the choice of a proper antibiotic therapy and the implementation of conservation programs. Gram negative organisms are frequently isolated from Caretta caretta turtles, which can act as reservoir species for resistant microorganisms in the aquatic environment. C. caretta, which have no history of treatment with antimicrobials, are useful sentinel species for resistant microbes. In this culture-based study, commensal bacteria isolated from oral and cloacal samples of 98 healthy C. caretta were compared to clinical isolates from the wounds of 102 injured animals, in order to investigate the presence of AMR bacteria in free-living loggerheads from the Adriatic Sea. A total of 410 isolates were cultured. Escherichia coli and genera such as Serratia, Moraxella, Kluyvera, Salmonella were isolated only in healthy animals, while Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Morganella were isolated only from the wounds of the injured animals. When tested for susceptibility to ampicillin, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, the clinical isolates showed highly significant differences in AMR rates vs. commensal isolates for all the drugs tested, except for doxycycline. The detection of high AMR rates in loggerheads is of clinical and microbiological significance since it impacts both the choice of a proper antibiotic therapy and the implementation of conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: S. enterica subsp. houtenae has been rarely documented, and very limited genomic information is available. This report describes a rare case of primary extraintestinal salmonellosis in a young roe deer, associated with Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae. Methods: A traditional cultural-based analysis was carried out from the contents of a neck abscess; biochemical identification and PCR assay were performed to isolate and identify the pathogen. Through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core genome MLST (cgMLST), and the Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) survey, resistome and virulome genes were investigated to gain insight into the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of S. houtenae. Results: Biochemical identification and PCR confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp. in the swelling. The WGS analysis identified Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae serovar 43:z4,z23:- and ST 958. The virulence study predicted a multidrug resistance pattern with resistance shown against aminoglycosides, tetracycline, beta-lactamase, fluoroquinolones, fosfomycin, nitroimidazole, aminocoumarin, and peptide. Fifty-three antibiotic-resistant genes were identified. No plasmids were detected. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of continuous surveillance of pathogenic salmonellae. Biomolecular analyses combined with epidemiological data can provide important information about poorly described Salmonella strains and can help to improve animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Evaluation of the respiratory system is a critical aspect of sea turtle medicine due to their peculiar anatomy. The location of the lungs under the carapace makes them vulnerable to wounds involving the carapace, which are frequent and significant complications of vessel strike injuries. Open lung wounds result in aspiration, loss of buoyancy control, and secondary infection. In sea turtles, pulmonary diseases can originate from many causes. Increased marine pollution is reflected in the increasing occurrence of sea turtles with entanglement injuries around the neck or flippers, caused by plastic waste, ghost nets, fishing lines, etc. These injuries may directly damage the upper airway or create life-threatening secondary infections. The object of the study was to describe clinical signs, radiographic, endoscopic and computed tomography examinations, and cytological and microbiological findings useful to obtaining an accurate diagnosis of pulmonary diseases in sea turtles. Moreover, we describe the treatment carried out on the basis of antimicrobial susceptibility testing to avoid unnecessary treatments and antibiotic-resistance phenomenon. Data were collected from 14 turtles. Radiographic signs of pulmonary pathology were seen in all cases. Four sea turtles underwent advanced diagnostic investigations so as to better characterize the pulmonary pattern. The bronchoalveolar lavage allowed us to withdraw fluid from the lower airways and to perform cytological and bacteriological examinations on all 14 subjects. The study suggests how it may be useful to implement diagnostic procedures in order to obtain an accurate and early diagnosis, to prevent unnecessary therapy, and to contain antibiotic-resistance phenomena. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical signs, radiographic, endoscopic and CT findings, cytological and microbiological findings and treatments of pulmonary diseases in sea turtles, in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis that avoids unnecessary therapy and antibiotic-resistance phenomena. In total, 14 loggerheads (Caretta caretta), with clinical and/or radiographic findings of pulmonary pathology, were assessed through various combinations of clinical, radiological, CT, endoscopic examination and bronchoalveolar lavage, which recovered fluid for cytologic and microbiologic analysis. In all cases, radiographic examination led to a diagnosis of pulmonary disorders—4 unilateral and 10 bilateral. All bacteria cultured were identified as Gram-negative. Antibiotic resistance was greater than 70% for all beta-lactams tested. In addition, all bacterial strains were 100% resistant to colistin sulfate and tetracycline. Specific antibiotic therapies were formulated for seven sea turtles using Enrofloxacin, and for four sea turtles using ceftazidime. In two turtles, antibiotic therapy was not included due to the presence of antibiotic resistance against all the antibiotics evaluated. In both cases, the coupage technique and environmental management allowed the resolution of the lung disease without antibiotics. All 14 sea turtles were released back into the sea. Radiographic examination must be considered the gold standard for screening sea turtles that show respiratory signs or abnormal buoyancy. Susceptibility testing with antimicrobials allowed appropriate therapy, including the reduction of antibiotic-resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]