Coronaviruses are highly transmissible and pathogenic viruses for humans and animals. The vast quantity of information collected about SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic helped to unveil details on the mechanisms behind the infection, which are still largely elusive. Recent research demonstrated that different class I/II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles might define an individual susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 spreading, contributing to the differences in the distribution of the infection through different populations; additional studies suggested that the homolog of the HLA in cats, the Feline Leukocyte Antigen (FLA), plays a pivotal role in the transmission of viruses. With these premises, this study aimed to exploit a bioinformatic approach for the prediction of the transmissibility potential of two distinct Feline Coronaviruses (FCoVs) in domestic cats (Feline enteric Coronavirus, FeCV and Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus, FIPV) using SARS-CoV-2 as the reference model. We performed an epitope mapping of nonapeptides deriving from SARS-CoV-2, FeCV and FIPV glycoproteins and predicted their affinities for different alleles included in the three main loci in class I FLAs (E, H and K). The predicted complexes with the most promising affinities were then subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to provide insights into the stability and binding energies in the cleft. Results showed the FLA proteins encoded by alleles in FLA-I H (H*00501 and H*00401) and E (E*01001 and E*07001) loci are largely responsive to several epitopes deriving from replicase and spike proteins of the analyzed coronaviruses. The analysis of the most affine epitope sequences resulting from the prediction can stimulate the development of anti-FCoV immunomodulatory strategies based on peptide drugs.

Ti6Al4V is the most commonly used titanium alloy which features high strength with low density, high fracture toughness, excellent resistance against corrosion and good weldability. Ti6Al4V finds wide application in variety of sectors such as aircraft structure, jet engines, gas turbines, defence armour and IC engine components. The quality of the titanium weldments is significant in producing titanium structures and components. This requires critical Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) procedures to be followed. There is very scarce literature reported on NDT of titanium weldments. In this investigation the Non-Destructive Testing of Ti6Al4V weldments welded using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – Autogenous (GTAWA), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – with filler (GTAWF) and Laser Beam Welding – Autogenous (LBWA). The weldments were subjected NDT procedures such as visual and X-ray radiography. The uniqueness of this study is that the Image Quality Indicator (IQI) of aluminium was used as the IQI for titanium is not available in the industries. Generally, the titanium gets contaminated by gases in the atmosphere, leading to loss of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of the weldment. Hence in this investigation a novel approach for ruling out the contamination of the weld pool and the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) has been proposed viz. Weld Quality Indicator (WQI), i.e. the discolouration on the surface of the weldment is taken as an indicator of the contamination.

The most common pancreatic diseases in cats are pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Non-invasive methods, such as serological quantification of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), are often used in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Previous studies have compared fPLI concentrations with histopathology, considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis of feline pancreatitis. However, fPLI concentrations in cats suffering from pancreatic tumours were rarely described. The aim of the present study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantification of fPLI in serum samples based on histopathological findings in cats diagnosed with various pancreatic diseases. Pancreatic biopsy samples from 80 cats were included. Five groups were defined on the basis of pancreatic histopathology: group 1, normal pancreas; group 2, nodular hyperplasia; group 3, mild pancreatitis; group 4, marked (moderate/severe) pancreatitis; and group 5, pancreatic neoplasia. Serum samples from all cats were tested by fPLI ELISA (<3.6 μg/l normal, 3.6–5.3 μg/l questionable, >5.3 μg/l pancreatitis). In group 1 (n = 19), serum fPLI values were within the reference interval in 74% of cases and in group 2 (n = 9) in 78%. Cats with mild pancreatitis (n = 23), marked pancreatitis (n = 11) and pancreatic neoplasms (n = 18) had significantly increased fPLI concentrations compared with group 1 (P = 0.004/0.001/≤0.0001). Cats with nodular hyperplasia had significantly lower fPLI values than cats with marked pancreatitis (P = 0.048) or tumours (P = 0.002). Serum fPLI concentrations in group 3 were <3.6 μg/l (n = 6), 3.6–5.3 μg/l (n = 4) and >5.3 μg/l (n = 13). Calculated test sensitivity for mild pancreatitis was fPLI >3.5 μg/l: 73.9% and fPLI >5.3 μg/l: 56.5%. In group 4 (n = 11), seven of nine cats (77.8%) with marked purulent pancreatitis had elevated fPLI. In group 4, a sensitivity of 81.8% was detected for fPLI >3.5 μg/l and 63.6% for fPLI >5.3 μg/l. Two cats with marked non-purulent pancreatitis had elevated fPLI, while two cats with marked purulent pancreatitis had normal fPLI values (<3.6 μg/l). In group 5, one cat with pancreatic adenoma and one with pancreatic acinar carcinoma had normal fPLI concentrations. The other cats with pancreatic adenoma (solid, n = 1; cystic, n = 4) or carcinoma (solid, n = 9; cystic, n = 2) had elevated or high fPLI values (4.1 to >40 μg/l, median 21.2 μg/l), probably caused by additional inflammation. The results of the present study confirm the importance of detailed histopathological characterization for the interpretation of clinical signs and fPLI values in feline pancreatitis. Primary pancreatic neoplasms may also lead to elevated fPLI concentrations as there is concurrent pancreatitis in most cases. However, severe pancreatic diseases, such as chronic non-purulent pancreatitis or tumours without inflammation, may result in normal fPLI values.

Injury assessment of nonhuman subjects may be performed for a variety of reasons, most often in a forensic setting to prove or disprove human activity. In Adelaide, South Australia, the killing of several dolphins from nearby waterways prompted the formation of a multidisciplinary Dolphin Trauma Group, among whose aims was the performance of rapid biological and forensic assessments of dead local dolphins. Necropsy and wound evaluation by group members utilizing standard forensic techniques aimed at determining as quickly as possible causes of death, whether injuries were inflicted ante- or postmortem, whether injuries were responsible for, or had contributed to, the fatal episode, and whether human intervention was responsible for the wounds. Estimation of the type and dimensions of possible weapons was also undertaken, as well as attempts to determine possible time frames for the injuries. This information was then passed on to investigating officers. A series of necropsy findings in seven dolphins investigated by the group (four Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, one southern right whale dolphin, one short-beaked common dolphin, and one common bottlenose dolphin) is described in this chapter. Two deaths were caused by exsanguination from stabbing/spearing, two to the sequelae of entanglement with fishing gear, one to blunt craniocerebral trauma from a boat propeller injury, one to probable sepsis, and one remained undetermined. All cases had extensive histological assessment of tissues with retention of blood and tissues for future toxicological screening if required. Examination of the brain is undertaken by a neuropathologist when tissues are not putrefied. Blood spots are signed and sealed and transferred to Forensic Science South Australia for storage in case comparisons are subsequently required with blood and tissue on possible weapons. In this way, each dolphin has an extensive forensic evaluation to provide as much usable information to courts and prosecutors if legal proceedings are ever undertaken.The skeletons and life history samples are held in the collections of the South Australian Museum.

During the mid-1700s, development of the veterinary profession was largely focussed on equine medicine and surgery. Subsequently, rather erratic development encompassed other species and eventually led to specialization in different disciplines. Teaching of veterinary pathology was well established in Europe and North America by the late 19th century. Specialization in this discipline was boosted in the 1940s by the formation, in the USA, of the Register of Veterinary Pathology and American College of Veterinary Pathologists. National societies followed soon afterwards in Europe. The European Society of Veterinary Pathology evolved during this period and the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) was created in 1995 to promote high standards in the discipline. As an accrediting body, its emphasis is on training and harmonization across Europe. There is an increasing demand for high-grade forensic veterinary pathology reports which address the requirements of the legal system, but so far only a few countries have defined protocols for these reports. In recognition of the need for a specific qualification that benchmarks the competences and experience expected of forensic veterinary pathologists, the ECVP recently launched the Certificate in Forensic Veterinary Pathology.

A 56-year-old nulliparous female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) living at the zoological garden of Naples (Italy), with a clinical history of recurrent colic, was found in agonal state and humane euthanasia was elected. At necropsy the uterine body was moderately increased in size and the lumen was reduced due to a poorly demarcated and infiltrative neoplasm. Furthermore, multiple, whitish, firm nodules were present in both lungs. Histological examination of the uterine mass revealed epithelial cells arranged in tubular or solid pattern infiltrating the endometrium and the muscular layer. Immunohistochemical examination showed immunoreactivity of neoplastic cells to oestrogen receptors antibody. Pulmonary lesions were histologically and immunohistochemically superimposable to the epithelial uterine neoplasm. A definitive diagnosis of uterine adenocarcinoma with pulmonary metastases was made.

Autophagy is a highly regulated process involving the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic macromolecules and organelles in mammalian cells via the lysosomal system. Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and integrity of the autophagosomal - lysosomal network appears to be critical in the progression of aging. Our aim was to survey the expression of autophagy markers and Amyloid precursor protein (APP) in aged bovine brains. For our study, we collected samples from the brain of old (aged 11–20 years) and young (aged 1–5 years) Podolic dairy cows. Formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded sections were stained with routine and special staining techniques. Primary antibodies for APP and autophagy markers such as Beclin-1 and LC3 were used to perform immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis.

Many studies of the immune system in human and animals have been focused on how it protects the body from parasitic and infectious agents [1], while, recently, many researches were oriented on how defects in the immune system can lead to immunopathological disorders, including autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and hypersensitivity reactions [1].

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a multifactorial condition that represents a major healthcare concern for the elderly population. Although its morphologic features have been extensively studied in humans, animal models, and domestic and wild animals, only a few reports about spontaneous sarcopenia exist in other long-lived animals. In this work, muscle samples from 60 healthy Podolica-breed old cows (aged 15-23 years) were examined and compared with muscle samples from 10 young cows (3-6 years old). Frozen sections were studied through standard histologic and histoenzymatic procedures, as well as by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. The most prominent age-related myopathic features seen in the studied material included angular fiber atrophy (90% of cases), mitochondrial alterations (ragged red fibers, 70%; COX-negative fibers, 60%), presence of vacuolated fibers (75%), lymphocytic (predominantly CD8+) inflammation (40%), and type II selective fiber atrophy (40%). Immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of major histocompatibility complex I in 36 cases (60%) and sarcoplasmic accumulations of β-amyloid precursor protein-positive material in 18 cases (30%). In aged cows, muscle atrophy was associated with accumulation of myostatin. Western blot analysis indicated increased amount of both proteins-myostatin and β-amyloid precursor protein-in muscles of aged animals compared with controls. These findings confirm the presence of age-related morphologic changes in cows similar to human sarcopenia and underline the possible role of amyloid deposition and subsequent inflammation in muscle senescence.