Temporal and spatial patterns of Trichuris trichiura eggs: a potential threat to human health in Pakistan.

This study investigates the presence of Trichuris trichiura eggs in soil samples collected from urban areas in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 3600 soil samples were collected over two years from Lahore's urban regions. The detection of helminth eggs in these samples was performed using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a diagnostic technique. The study reveals an overall prevalence rate of T. trichiura at 0.97 % (35 out of 3600) in the contaminated soil samples from Lahore's slum areas. When analyzing the data by geographical areas, the study found the highest prevalence of T. trichiura in Allama Iqbal Town (1.83 %, 11 out of 600), followed by Samanabad (1.16 %, 7 out of 600), Wapda Town (1.00 %, 6 out of 600), Gulberg (1.00 %, 6 out of 600), and Cantt (0.50 %, 3 out of 600). Conversely, Valencia Town had the lowest prevalence rate at 0.33 % (2 out of 600). However, these variations in prevalence rates were not statistically significant (p = 0.117). Prevalence rates of T. trichiura's eggs varied significantly across different sampling seasons (p>0.001). In autumn, a total of 900 soil samples were collected, with 19 samples (2.11 %) testing positive for T. trichiura. This rate was notably higher compared to the prevalence rates observed in winter, spring, and summer, which were 0.66 %, 0.22 %, and 0.88 %, respectively. Regarding the sampling months, the study observed a significantly higher prevalence during September (3.33 %, 10 out of 300), followed by October (2.33 %, 7 out of 300), and August (1.33 %, 4 out of 300). Prevalence rates gradually decreased in other months, ranging from 1 % to 0.33 % (3 to 1 out of 300), with no parasite detection in March (0 %, 0 out of 300) (p < 0.001). This research underscores soil contamination due to fecal waste and highlights public unawareness of parasite biology, driven by open defecation practices.

Utilidad de la diferencia venoarterial de PCO2 como predictor de complicaciones en el postoperatorio inmediato del trasplante hepático / Utility of the central venous-to-arterial CO2 difference to predict adverse outcomes after liver transplantation

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación de la diferencia venoarterial de PCO2 (ΔPCO2) con la aparición de complicaciones en el manejo postoperatorio precoz del trasplante hepático. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional y prospectivo realizado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos médico-quirúrgica de un hospital universitario. Se incluyó a 150 pacientes adultos que recibieron un trasplante de hígado ortotópico entre enero de 2015 y noviembre de 2018. Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 4grupos predefinidos de acuerdo con la evolución de la ΔPCO2 durante las primeras 6 h del postoperatorio en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, al considerar ese periodo como el de mayor riesgo de alteraciones hemodinámicas: 1) ΔPCO2 persistentemente normal (normal en T0 y T6); 2) ΔPCO2 descendente (alta en T0, normal en T6); 3) ΔPCO2 ascendente (normal en T0, alta en T6) y 4) ΔPCO2 persistentemente alta (alta en T0 y T6). Se comparó la relación de dichos grupos con la aparición de disfunción multiorgánica a las 72 h y las probabilidades de supervivencia globales y en el día 30 se describieron mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier; las diferencias se calcularon mediante un test log-rank. Para el estudio de la correlación entre índice cardiaco y ΔPCO2 se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: La disfunción multiorgánica representada mediante el SOFA a las 72 h (p=0,86) y el Δ-SOFA (p=0,088) no presentó diferencias significativas entre los 4grupos a estudio, de la misma forma que ocurrió con la mortalidad hospitalaria (χ2=5,72; p=0,126) y a los 30 días (χ2=2,23; p=0,5252). Con respecto a la relación entre índice cardiaco y ΔPCO2, se demostró una correlación inversa estadísticamente significativa de valor bajo (rho de Spearman: −0,17; p=0,002). Conclusiones: En pacientes críticos admitidos tras un trasplante hepático, la diferencia venoarterial de PCO2 no predice la mortalidad ni la incidencia de complicaciones en el periodo postoperatorio inmediato.(AU)

Objective: Test whether the development of abnormal venous-to arterial CO2 difference (ΔPCO2) during the early phases of postoperative care after a liver transplantation is related to multi-organ dysfunction and outcomes. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort study accomplished in a mixed intensive care unit at a university hospital. We included 150 eligible patients after a liver transplantation between 2015 and 2018. Patients were classified in 4predefined groups according to the ΔPCO2 evolution during the first 6h of resuscitation: 1) persistently normal ΔPCO2 (normal at T0 and T6); 2) decreasing ΔPCO2 (high at T0, normal at T6); 3) increasing ΔPCO2 (normal at T0, high at T6); and 4) persistently high ΔPCO2 (high at T0 and T6). Multiorgan dysfunction at day-3 was compared for predefined groups and a Kaplan Meier curve was constructed to show the survival probabilities using a log-rank test to evaluate differences between groups. A Spearman-rho was used to test the agreement between cardiac output and ΔPCO2. Results: There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding higher SOFA scores at day-3 (P=0.86), Δ-SOFA (P=0.088), as well as global mortality rates (χ2=5.72; P=0.126) and mortality rates at day-30 (χ2=2.23; P=0.5252). A significantly poor inverse agreement between cardiac output and ΔPCO2 was observed (rho de Spearman −0,17; P=0,002) at different points of resuscitation. Conclusions: After a liver transplantation, central venous-to-arterial CO2 difference was not associated with survival or postoperative adverse outcomes in a critical care patients population.(AU)

Utility of the central venous-to-arterial CO2 difference to predict adverse outcomes after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Test whether the development of abnormal venous-to arterial CO2 difference (ΔPCO2) during the early phases of postoperative care after a liver transplantation (LT) is related to multi-organ dysfunction and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study accomplished in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) at a university hospital. We included 150 eligible patients after a LT between 2015 and 2018. Patients were classified in four predefined groups according to the ΔPCO2 evolution during the first 6 h of resuscitation: (1) persistently normal ΔPCO2 (normal at T0 and T6); (2) decreasing ΔPCO2 (high at T0, normal at T6); (3) increasing ΔPCO2 (normal at T0, high at T6); and (4) persistently high ΔPCO2 (high at T0 and T6). Multiorgan dysfunction at day-3 was compared for predefined groups and a Kaplan Meier curve was constructed to show the survival probabilities using a log-rank test to evaluate differences between groups. A Spearman-Rho was used to test the agreement between cardiac output and ΔPCO2. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding higher SOFA scores at day-3 (P = .86), Δ-SOFA (P = .088), as well as global mortality rates (χ²â€¯= 5.72; P = .126) and mortality rates at day-30 (χ²â€¯= 2.23; P = .5252). A significantly poor inverse agreement between cardiac output and ΔPCO2 was observed (r2 -0,17; P = ,002) at different points of resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: After a LT, central venous-to-arterial CO2 difference was not associated with survival or postoperative adverse outcomes in a critical care patients population.

[Low-cost reconstructive treatment after resection of distal radius giant cell tumor]. / Tratamiento reconstructivo de bajo costo tras resección de tumor de células gigantes de radio distal.

INTRODUCTION: giant cell tumor (GCT) is a benign intramedullary bone tumor that frequently arises at the ends of long bones. After the distal femur and proximal tibia, the distal radius is the third most affected site with particularly aggressive tumors. Our objective is the presentation of the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with distal radius GCT classified in grade III of Campanacci who received a treatment adjusted to her economic possibilities. CASE REPORT: a 47-year-old female, without economic solvency and with some medical service. Treatment included block resection, reconstruction with distal fibula autograft, and radiocarpal fusion with blocked compression plate. Eighteen months later, the patient had good grip strength (80% on the healthy side) and had fine motor function in the hand. The wrist presented stability with pronation of 85o, supination of 80o, flexion-extension of 0o and a score of 6.7 in the DASH functional outcomes assessment questionnaire. His radiological evaluation five years after his surgery continued with no evidence of local recurrence and pulmonary involvement. CONCLUSION: the result in this patient, together with the published data, indicate that the block tumor resection technique, plus distal fibula autograft and arthrodesis with blocked compression plate provide an optimal result of functionality for the grade III distal radial tumor at low cost.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el tumor de células gigantes (TCG) es un tumor óseo intramedular benigno que surge con frecuencia en los extremos de los huesos largos. Después del fémur distal y la tibia proximal, el radio distal es el tercer sitio más afectado con tumores, particularmente agresivos. Nuestro objetivo es la presentación del caso clínico de una paciente con diagnóstico de TCG de radio distal clasificada en grado III de Campanacci que recibió un tratamiento ajustado a sus posibilidades económicas. REPORTE DE CASO: paciente femenino de 47 años, sin solvencia económica y sin ningún servicio médico. El tratamiento incluyó resección en bloque, reconstrucción con autoinjerto de peroné distal y artrodesis radiocarpiana con placa de compresión bloqueada. Dieciocho meses después, la paciente presentaba una buena fuerza de prensión (80% respecto al lado sano) y tenía una función motora fina en la mano. La muñeca presentó estabilidad con pronación de 85o, supinación de 80o, flexión-extensión de 0o y una puntuación de 6.7 en el cuestionario de evaluación de resultados funcionales DASH. Su evolución radiológica a cinco años después de su cirugía continuó sin datos de recidiva local y afectación pulmonar. CONCLUSIÓN: el resultado en esta paciente, junto con los datos publicados, indican que la técnica de resección tumoral en bloque, más el autoinjerto de peroné distal y la artrodesis con placa de compresión bloqueada proporcionan un resultado óptimo de funcionalidad para el tumor radial distal grado III a bajo costo.

Assessing the risks of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 likely emerged from a wildlife source with transmission to humans followed by rapid geographic spread throughout the globe and severe impacts on both human health and the global economy. Since the onset of the pandemic, there have been many instances of human-to-animal transmission involving companion, farmed and zoo animals, and limited evidence for spread into free-living wildlife. The establishment of reservoirs of infection in wild animals would create significant challenges to infection control in humans and could pose a threat to the welfare and conservation status of wildlife. We discuss the potential for exposure, onward transmission and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in an initial selection of wild mammals (bats, canids, felids, mustelids, great apes, rodents and cervids). Dynamic risk assessment and targeted surveillance are important tools for the early detection of infection in wildlife, and here we describe a framework for collating and synthesising emerging information to inform targeted surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife. Surveillance efforts should be integrated with information from public and veterinary health initiatives to provide insights into the potential role of wild mammals in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.

Resultado de la implantación de consultas telemáticas en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Result of the implementation of telematic consultations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology during COVID-19 laparoscopic surgery

La pandemia COVID ha hecho de las consultas telemáticas una herramienta básica en la práctica diaria. El objetivo principal del estudio es valorar los resultados de la aplicación de consultas telemáticas para limitar la movilidad de los pacientes. Son objetivos operativos: proponer un plan de consultas, conocer cómo limita la asistencia a las consultas, definir qué patologías se benefician más con este plan. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se propone un esquema con la creación de consultas previas a las agendadas para valorar idoneidad y posibilidad de realizarla en acto único no presencial. RESULTADOS: Se han realizado 5.619 consultas con una falta de respuesta telefónica del 19%. El 74% de los pacientes fueron resueltos de forma virtual. Existe diferencia entre unidades, siendo más probable la respuesta telefónica para las consultas de unidad, OR = 0,60 o de traumatología general, OR = 0,67 y menos para los derivados desde urgencias. El 20% de las consultas no se acompañaban de pruebas complementarias. Las consultas de traumatología general, OR = 0,34, control postoperatorio, OR = 0,49, y unidades, OR = 0,40, cumplieron mejor este requisito. De los pacientes restantes, las consultas de traumatología general, OR = 0,50, y las derivadas a unidades, OR = 0,54 fueron las que más se resolvieron sin acudir presencialmente. CONCLUSIONES: Se han resuelto de forma no presencial el 74% de los pacientes que atendieron a la llamada telefónica. El 20% de los pacientes acuden a la visita sin pruebas complementarias. Las consultas de seguimiento de osteosíntesis y postoperatorio de cirugía artroscópica son las que más precisan de ser realizadas de forma presencial

The COVID pandemic has made telematic consultations a basic tool in daily practice. AIMS: The main objective of the study is to assess the results of the application of telematic consultations to limit the mobility of patients. The operational objectives are; to propose a consultation plan, to know how attendance limits consultations and to define which pathologies benefit the most from this plan. METHODS: A scheme is proposed with the creation of pre-scheduled clinic to assess suitability and the possibility of carrying them out in a single non face-to-face act. RESULTS: Phone call to 5,619 patients were made with a lack of response of 19%. The cases of 74% of the patients that answered were resolved virtually. There is a difference between units, obtaining a higher answering rate from patients appointed to specific clinic units, OR = 0.60, or to general trauma ones, OR = 0.67. The lowest answering rate was obtained from those derived from the emergency department. Twenty per cent of the consultations were not accompanied by complementary tests that would have favored the resolution in a single act. The general trauma consultations, OR = 0.34, postoperative control, OR = 0.49, and specific unit ones, OR = 0.40, were the ones that better met this requirement. Out of the remaining patients, the general trauma consultations, OR = 0.50, and those referred to units, OR = 0.54, were the ones that had a higher resolution rate without in- person consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The cases of 74% of the patients who answered the phone call were resolved virtually. Cases of 20% of the patients cannot be solved in a single act because they are derived without complementary tests. Osteosynthesis and postoperative arthroscopic follow-up consultations are the ones that need to be carried out in person the most

Result of the implementation of telematic consultations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology during COVID-19 laparoscopic surgery. / Resultado de la implantación de consultas telemáticas en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología durante la pandemia COVID-19.

The COVID pandemic has made telematic consultations a basic tool in daily practice. AIMS: The main objective of the study is to assess the results of the application of telematic consultations to limit the mobility of patients. The operational objectives are; to propose a consultation plan, to know how attendance limits consultations and to define which pathologies benefit the most from this plan. METHODS: A scheme is proposed with the creation of pre-scheduled clinic to assess suitability and the possibility of carrying them out in a single non face-to-face act. RESULTS: Phone call to 5,619 patients were made with a lack of response of 19%. The cases of 74% of the patients that answered were resolved virtually. There is a difference between units, obtaining a higher answering rate from patients appointed to specific clinic units, OR = 0.60, or to general trauma ones, OR = 0.67. The lowest answering rate was obtained from those derived from the emergency department. Twenty per cent of the consultations were not accompanied by complementary tests that would have favored the resolution in a single act. The general trauma consultations, OR = 0.34, postoperative control, OR = 0.49, and specific unit ones, OR = 0.40, were the ones that better met this requirement. Out of the remaining patients, the general trauma consultations, OR = 0.50, and those referred to units, OR = 0.54, were the ones that had a higher resolution rate without in- person consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The cases of 74% of the patients who answered the phone call were resolved virtually. Cases of 20% of the patients cannot be solved in a single act because they are derived without complementary tests. Osteosynthesis and postoperative arthroscopic follow-up consultations are the ones that need to be carried out in person the most.

Use of Tithonia diversifolia (hemsl) A. Gray in the diet of growing lambs / [Uso de tithonia diversifolia (hemsl) A. Gray na dieta de cordeiros em crescimento]

Two assays were conducted to study the Tithonia diversifolia (Td) plant: (1) chemical analysis and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of plant parts and (2) productive performance of lambs fed a traditional diet or a Td diet (30% of Td plus 70% of the traditional diet). The plant parts studied were leaves (L), leaves and petioles (LP); and leaves, petioles and stems (LPS). Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were registered weekly during five weeks of experimentation. The L showed higher (P<0.05) crude protein content (26.7%) than LP and LPS (25.5 and 19.7%, respectively). Crude fiber (11.2%), neutral detergent fiber (45.4%), cellulose (16.9%) and hemicellulose (33.5%) were lower in L than in LP (12.5, 46.7, 18.0 and 35.7%, respectively) and LPS (22.6, 59.2, 27.0 and 43.5%, respectively). The L and LP showed the highest IVDMD (89.2 and 88.2%, respectively vs. 77.2% of LPS). The Td diet resulted in greater feed intake and weight gain and lower feed conversion than the traditional diet. Therefore, Tithonia diversifolia is a forage plant of good quality for lambs which does not affect the productive performance.(AU)

Dois ensaios foram realizados para estudar a planta de Tithonia diversifolia (Td): (1) análise química e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) de partes de plantas e (2) desempenho produtivo de cordeiros alimentados com dieta tradicional ou dieta Td (30% de Td mais 70% da dieta tradicional). As partes vegetais estudadas foram folhas (L), folhas e pecíolos (LP); folhas, pecíolos e caules (LPS). O consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram registrados semanalmente, durante cinco semanas de experimentação. O L apresentou maior (P<0,05) conteúdo de proteína bruta (26,7%) que o LP e o LPS (25,5 e 19,7%, respectivamente). Fibra bruta (11,2%), fibra em detergente neutro (45,4%), celulose (16,9%) e hemicelulose (33,5%) foram menores em L do que em LP (12,5, 46,7, 18,0 e 35,7%, respectivamente) e LPS (22,6, 59,2, 27,0 e 43,5%, respectivamente). O L e o LP apresentaram o maior DIVMS (89,2 e 88,2%, respectivamente vs. 77,2% do LPS). A dieta Td resultou em maior consumo de ração e maior ganho de peso e menor conversão alimentar que a dieta tradicional. Portanto, Tithonia diversifolia é uma planta forrageira de boa qualidade para cordeiros que não afeta o desempenho produtivo.(AU)

[Role of the renin-angiotensin system in pregnancy and preeclampsia]. / Papel del sistema renina-angiotensina en el embarazo y la preeclampsia.

The renin-angiotensin system (ARS) is a hormonal cascade that regulates blood pressure, electrolytes and water balance. AngiotensinII (AII) exerts its effects through the AT1 and AT2 receptors. AT1 is found in the syncytiotrophoblast, AT2 predominates during foetal development and its stimulation inhibits cell growth, increases apoptosis, causes vasodilation and regulates the development of foetal tissue. There is also an SRA in the placenta. The local generation of AII is responsible for the activation of AT1 receptors in the trophoblast. In normal pregnancy, concomitantly with reduction of blood pressure the circulating RAS increases, but blood pressure does not rise due to AII refractoriness, which does not occur in preeclampsia. We review the role of the SRA in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Factors associated with sepsis development in 606 Spanish adult patients with cellulitis.

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis, a frequent cause of admission of adult patients to medical wards, occasionally evolves to sepsis. In this study we analyze the factors related to sepsis development. METHODS: Prospective and observational study of 606 adult patients with cellulitis admitted to several Spanish hospitals. Comorbidities, microbiological, clinical, lab, diagnostic, and treatment data were analyzed. Sepsis was diagnosed according to the criteria of the 2016 International Sepsis Definitions Conference. Multiple logistic regression modelling was performed to determine the variables independently associated with sepsis development. RESULTS: Mean age was 63.4 years and 51.8% were men. Overall 65 (10.7%) patients developed sepsis, 7 (10.8%) of whom died, but only 4 (6.2%) due to cellulitis. Drawing of blood (P < 0.0001) or any (P < 0.0001) culture, and identification of the agent (P = 0.005) were more likely among patients with sepsis. These patients had also a longer duration of symptoms (P = 0.04), higher temperature (P = 0.03), more extensive cellulitis (P = 0.02), higher leukocyte (P < 0.0001) and neutrophil (P < 0.0001) counts, serum creatinine (P = 0.001), and CRP (P = 0.008) than patients without sepsis. Regarding therapy, patients with sepsis were more likely to undergo changes in the initial antimicrobial regimen (P < 0.0001), received more antimicrobials (P < 0.0001), received longer intravenous treatment (P = 0.03), and underwent surgery more commonly (P = 0.01) than patients without sepsis. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.002), serum creatinine (P = 0.003), drawing of blood cultures (P = 0.004), change of the initial antimicrobial regimen (P = 0.007) and length of cellulitis (P = 0.009) were independently associated with sepsis development in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Increased blood leukocytes and serum creatinine, blood culture drawn, modification of the initial antimicrobial regimen, and maximum length of cellulitis were associated with sepsis in these patients.

Stability of clinically relevant depression symptoms in old-age across 11 cohorts: a multi-state study.

AIMS: To study the temporal dynamics of depression symptom episodes in old-age and the related influence of risk factors. METHODS: Data from 41 362 old adults (54.61% women; mean age = 75.30, SD = 6.20) from the Ageing Trajectories of Health - Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies (ATHLOS) project were used. Depressive symptoms were followed over an 18-year period. A multi-state model, comprising three statuses (no depression, new clinically relevant episode of symptoms and episode persistence), was fitted. Multinomial regression was used to study the role of risk factors in status transition. RESULTS: Almost 85% of participants showed no depression, but prevalence became lower over time (B = -0.25, P < 0.001). New episode point prevalence was over 5.30% with a significant probability of moving to persistence status (transition probability = 0.27). Episode persistence became evident in 9.86% of episode status transitions, with increasing rate over time (B = 0.54, P < 0.01). Loneliness was proven to be the strongest predictor of episode emergence (OR = 17.76) and persistence (OR = 5.93). CONCLUSIONS: The course of depression tends to become chronic and unremitting in old-age. This study may help to plan interventions to tackle symptom escalation and risk factor influence.

High-resolution ultrasound in the assessment of the distal biceps brachii tendinous complex.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a high-resolution US technique that enables a systematic morphometric examination of the three components that form the distal biceps brachii tendinous complex; the internal bicipital aponeurosis, the distal biceps brachii tendon and the external bicipital aponeurosis (also known as lacertus fibrosus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty cryopreserved cadaver body donor elbows were dissected to obtain morphometric reference values and to establish reliable landmarks for the US examination. Then, a systematic US technique was designed and validated by a one-to-one US/dissection analysis of 11 cryopreserved cadaver body donor elbows. Finally, the systematic US technique was carried out in 44 healthy volunteers and morphometric parameters were compared to those obtained in the first part of the study. RESULTS: Mean dissection reference values: internal bicipital aponeurosis width 39.61 mm (10.02 SD) and thickness 0.75 mm (0.24 SD), distal biceps brachii tendon width 8.38 mm (1.87 SD) and thickness 2.73 mm (0.69 SD), external bicipital aponeurosis width 11.17 mm (5.84 SD) and thickness 0.85 mm (0.28 SD). One-to-one US/dissection correlation was overall good (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.876, p < 0.0001). When comparing volunteer US/dissection measurements, significant differences were encountered in all measures except for internal bicipital aponeurosis width. However, the overall magnitude of such significant differences was < 0.7 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Using the systematics hereby proposed, high-resolution US is reliable for the morphometric assessment of the distal biceps brachii tendinous complex. The external bicipital aponeurosis is morphometrically the most variable structure.

[Integral approach to the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Manejo integral del paciente con exacerbación aguda de la enfermedad pulmonar.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a set of clinical processes that have in common a chronic and progressive obstruction to airflow, with episodes of exacerbation. These exacerbations are more frequent and severe over time, deteriorating the lung function. The main cause of exacerbations is bacterial infection. There are multiple guidelines and documents that statement the management of this pathology. However, they focus primarily on the treatment during the stable phase. This document addresses the problem of acute exacerbation due to an infection from a multidisciplinary perspective, focusing on the integral approach to the process, and including etiology, microbiological studies, resistance to antimicrobials, risk stratification and initial empirical therapeutic management (antibiotic and concomitant). In addition, it includes an approach to more complex aspects such as the management of special populations (elderly and immunosuppressed) or therapeutic failure. Finally, more controversial topics such as prophylaxis of infection or palliative treatment are specifically discussed.

Retrospective study of foreign body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands (2000-2015).

Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n = 465) stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species, including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective impact monitoring and future conservation policies.

Biotic and abiotic factors shape the microbiota of wild-caught populations of the arbovirus vector Culicoides imicola.

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides are known vectors of arboviruses affecting human and animal health. However, little is known about Culicoides imicola microbiota and its influence on this insect's biology. In this study, the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on C. imicola microbiota was characterized using shotgun-metagenomic sequencing of whole-body DNA samples. Wild-caught C. imicola adult nulliparous females were sampled in two locations from Sicily, Italy. The climatic variables of temperature and soil moisture from both localities were recorded together with potential host bloodmeal sources. Shared core microbiome among C. imicola populations included Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Halomonas, Candidatus Zinderia, Propionibacterium, and Schizosaccharomyces. Specific and unique taxa were also found in C. imicola from each location, highlighting similarities and differences in microbiome composition between the two populations. DNA and protein identification showed differences in host preferences between the two populations, with Homo sapiens and Canis lupus familiaris L. being the preferred bloodmeal source in both locations. A principal component analysis showed that the combined effect of host preferences (H. sapiens) and local soil moisture factors shape the microbiome composition of wild-caught populations of C. imicola. These results contribute to characterizing the role of the microbiome in insect adaptation and its utility in predicting geographic expansion of Culicoides species with potential implications for the control of vector-borne diseases.