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Global fish and seafood consumption is increasing annually, frequently leading to the emergence of food fraud, mainly related to mislabeling and adulteration like, for example, the use of illicit/unauthorized food additives to mask or delay fish spoilage. Among the available diagnostic tools for control purposes, spectroscopic techniques have often been proposed to identify these kinds of illicit practices in fish and seafood products. The presented study aims to test two cheap and portable near infrared (NIR) spectrometers, a handheld MicroNIR and a pocket-sized SCiO, to uncover use of the illicit food additive Cafodos, a mixture of sodium citrate and hydrogen peroxide used to preserve some fish characteristics (like smell, color, na dtexture). The NIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometric approaches, allowed the successfully classification of (81–100%) samples of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) treated with Cafodos. The study highlights the potential of this technique that, by not requiring pre-treatment of samples with further reagents, is cheaper and safer for the environment. In conclusion, the study confirmed the potential of portable devices for rapid NIR spectroscopy analysis to identify food fraud and ensure consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) consists of genes involved in immune response and molecular discrimination between self and non-self. MHC genes are the most polymorphic in vertebrates. The origin and maintenance of polymorphism in MHC genes in populations is still unresolved. Mechanisms such as sexual selection and heterozygote advantage have been suggested as explanations for this high variability. In this study, a farmed population of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) characterized by the presence of specific MHC class IIB gene haplotypes at a frequency higher (30%) than that expected from random matings was investigated. Therefore, it was hypothesized that disassortative matings occur with an adaptive advantage for females, resulting in improved reproductive performance when mated with individuals with similar MHC haplotypes. Genetic analyses of the breeders were performed to define the MHC haplotypes and to perform specific matings. The effect of mating was evaluated by analyzing the survival rate of the offspring at various stages of incubation until swim-up. The reproductive performance of the offspring derived from specimens with similar haplotypes showed a better survival trend during the first life stages and reduced malformations. The results obtained are in contrast with the heterozygous advantage theory, therefore it was hypothesized, as for other salmonid species, the presence of a positive selection towards locally adapted MHC genes that promotes reproduction between genetically similar individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bacterial infection of the central nervous system (CNS) poses a clinical challenge and is a leading cause of neurological disorders in cattle. Human studies have demonstrated an increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) L-lactate levels in bacterial meningitis. The aims of this study were to establish a Reference Interval (RI) for L-lactate in bovine CSF and assess its potential as a biomarker for detecting infectious-inflammatory disorders. Methods: CSF L-lactate was measured in the field using a commercially available lactate monitor. The RI for CSF L-lactate was calculated on healthy animals; univariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to disclose an association between CSF L-lactate levels and interpretation of CSF in sick animals. Results: Twenty-seven healthy cattle and 86 sick cattle with either CNS infectiousinflammatory disorders (47/86) or CNS disorders of other etiology (39/86) were included in this prospective study. The RI for CSF L-lactate was 1.1-2.4 mmol/L. The concentration was higher in the cattle with neutrophilic pleocytosis and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92 compared to other animals. Based on a cut-off of 3.15 mmol/L, CSF L-lactate had diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for neutrophilic pleocytosis of 93 and 80%, respectively. Discussion: This is the first study to determine a RI for CSF L-lactate in cattle. Elevated CSF L-lactate levels indicated neutrophilic pleocytosis, which is often manifested in acute bacterial infection. The present findings may aid in diagnosis and correct use of antimicrobial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture sector plays a vital role in global food security, yet it grapples with significant challenges posed by infectious diseases. Piscine lactococcosis is one of the significant threats in rainbow trout aquaculture due to its potential to cause severe economic losses through mortalities, reduced growth rates, and increased susceptibility to other pathogens. It poses challenges in disease management strategies, impacting the sustainability and profitability of rainbow trout farming. The current study focuses on the variations in serum blood parameters of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by Lactococcus garvieae. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, fish were examined for parasites and bacteria, and DNA from bacterial colonies was PCR‐amplified and sequenced for identification. Overall, 13 biochemical parameters, including proteins, enzymes, lipids, chemicals, and minerals, were measured in serum blood samples from both diseased and healthy fish. The results indicate significant alterations in the levels of these parameters during the outbreak, highlighting the impact of infections on the blood profile of farmed rainbow trout. Urea levels were significantly higher in diseased fish compared to controls, and creatinine, phosphorus, and magnesium also showed similar trends. Alanine aminotransferase and total protein levels were higher in control fish. Chloride levels differed significantly between groups. Iron levels were higher in controls and lower in diseased fish. No significant differences were found in other parameters. This study reveals significant changes in serum blood parameters of rainbow trout during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by L. garvieae. These changes highlight the potential of these parameters as tools for monitoring health status, stress, and aquaculture management. Continuous monitoring can provide valuable insights into disease severity and overall fish health, aiding in the development of improved management practices. The presented data contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of piscine lactococcosis and developing effective mitigation strategies for farmed rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Reptiles usually carry Salmonella without showing any signs of infection. In this case, an adult male corn snake died 48 h after eating a feeder mouse bought online. The snake and mouse livers tested positive for Salmonella, specifically Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A genome analysis revealed that the two samples were from the same bacterial strain, and both had genes responsible for the bacteria's virulence. This report is about a pet snake that acquired Salmonella from a feeder mouse and then died from septic shock. It shows how feeder mice can be a source of clinical salmonellosis in pet snakes, which can pose a risk to humans too. Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake's tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake's death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-mountain lakes are freshwater ecosystems situated above the tree line which are known for their remote locations and limited accessibility. These ecosystems host simplified biotic communities primarily concentrated in the littoral zone and dominated by benthic macroinvertebrates that serve as bioindicators of environmental pressures. A two-year monitoring investigation was performed in July 2022 and July 2023 at Nero Lake (Cesana Torinese, Northwest Italy). Five sites along the lakeshore were selected for sampling physicochemical water parameters and macrobenthos. All collected data were analysed to compare trends across years and within specific sites. The results revealed that Nero Lake exhibited consistent macrobenthic communities across the two years studied, but significant differences were observed in its microhabitats. This suggests that substrate type and physicochemical water parameters strongly influence community composition. Chironomidae larvae and Mollusca were the dominant species, showing distinct associations with different substrates and environmental factors from one year to another. These findings contribute to our understanding of the intricate relationships between benthic macroinvertebrates and their environments, highlighting the necessity of detailed, small-scale assessments to comprehend ecosystem dynamics and develop effective conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among forbidden substances included in the European Union legislation, endogenous steroids constitute a challenge in the framework of veterinary Official Monitoring Plans. They can be naturally present in body fluids at variable levels depending on the species, sex and age of the animals. Considering the significant advances achieved in breeding conditions and in the selection of producing traits in meat cattle, the aim of this study was to verify by analytical method, in veal calves housed under controlled conditions, if the level of natural steroids hormones assumed as physiological are still actual. The second aim of the study was to verify if the normal histological pattern of growth promoters in target organs is influenced accordingly. Bovine male sex organs are currently analysed in the frame of the Italian histological plan to monitor illicit treatments trend, highlighting microscopic, induced alterations. The levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone residues resulted under the Limit of Quantitation of the approved official methods and the level of testosterone resulted below the level stated in the Italian Ministerial Decree in force. Male target organs appeared within the limits of the standard histological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]