Coelomic Research Articles

Personalized Intraoperative Radiotherapy Balloon Applicator Design and Production With 3D Printer

Radiation is the energy released from matter. Radiation is divided into two according to its source: natural and artificial radiation. Artificial radiation is used in treatment methods in medicine. One of these treatment methods is brachytherapy. Brachytherapy treatment is applied by placing small radioactive sources inside the body and sending beams directly to the cancerous cell. The main thing to consider in brachytherapy treatment is the selection of the applicator. The applicator is the device that enters the patient's body cavity. 
 In this study, based on the applicators currently used in the medical field, a patient-specific, biocompatible, sterilized, and reusable applicator will be created from PLA material by using a 3D printer.
 The applicator to be designed will consist of 2 parts: the intrauterine tube and the spherical tip. The spherical tips, which vary according to the size of the tumor, will be pressed to integrate with the tube part of the applicator. Thus, a patient-specific design will be realized by using the spherical tip suitable for the patient’s tumor region.
 As a result of the project, since the applicator will have spherical tips of different sizes, it completely covers the intrabody cavity of the patient. Thus, the movement of the applicator is limited, and dose distribution is prevented. The treatment process of the patient is improved.
 Another result is that the prototype applicator printed with PLA filament is produced at a very low cost. Thus, access to the applicator becomes easier and its use in the medical field increases.

Detection of Various Microplastics in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Microplastics have been detected in human stool, lungs, and placentas, which have direct exposure to the external environment through various body cavities, including the oral/anal cavity and uterine/vaginal cavity. Crucial data on microplastic exposure in completely enclosed human organs are still lacking. Herein, we used a laser direct infrared chemical imaging system and scanning electron microscopy to investigate whether microplastics exist in the human heart and its surrounding tissues. Microplastic specimens were collected from 15 cardiac surgery patients, including 6 pericardia, 6 epicardial adipose tissues, 11 pericardial adipose tissues, 3 myocardia, 5 left atrial appendages, and 7 pairs of pre- and postoperative venous blood samples. Microplastics were not universally present in all tissue samples, but nine types were found across five types of tissue with the largest measuring 469 μm in diameter. Nine types of microplastics were also detected in pre- and postoperative blood samples with a maximum diameter of 184 μm, and the type and diameter distribution of microplastics in the blood showed alterations following the surgical procedure. Moreover, the presence of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the left atrial appendage, epicardial adipose tissue, and pericardial adipose tissue cannot be attributed to accidental exposure during surgery, providing direct evidence of microplastics in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Further research is needed to examine the impact of surgery on microplastic introduction and the potential effects of microplastics in internal organs on human health.

Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus L.) as intermediate host for Mesocestoides canislagopodis (Rudolphi, 1810) (Krabbe 1865) in Iceland.

Mesocestoides canislagopodis is a common parasite of the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) in Iceland. In the past, household dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) were also reported in Iceland to be infected. Recently, scolices of a non-maturing Mesocestoides sp. were detected in the intestines of the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), and tetrathyridia were isolated in the body cavity of rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) and subsequently described. All stages were confirmed, using both morphological and molecular methods, to belong to the same species, M. canislagopodis. In the present study, post-mortem examination of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), sampled in autumn 2014 on a farm in Northeast Iceland, revealed the presence of tetrathyridia in the peritoneal cavity and in the liver. Most tetrathyridia in the peritoneal cavity were free, but some were encapsulated in a thin connective tissue stroma and loosely attached to the inner organs. They appear as whitish, heart-shaped, flattened, unsegmented bodies with a slightly pointed posterior end. In the liver, tetrathyridia were seen as pale-tanned nodules embedded in the parenchyma. Comparative molecular analysis, both at the generic level (D1 domain LSU ribosomal DNA), and at the specific level (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 12S mitochondrial DNA), revealed that the tetrathyridia belonged to M. canislagopodis. A. sylvaticus represents a new second intermediate host record in Iceland, and the first description of a rodent as intermediate host for this species, thus participating in the life cycle of the parasite.

Isolation, identification and characterization of Aeromonas allosaccharophila from infected farmed leech (Whitmania pigra) in Jiangsu, China

Aeromonas allosaccharophila is a gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium that causes disease and death in humans and aquaculture species, but studies on A. allosaccharophila in aquaculture have been more limited than those on other Aeromonas species. Here, we examined a pathogenic strain of A. allosaccharophila that causes “erysipelas” in leeches and mass mortality of farmed leech in Jiangsu, China. The main clinical signs of diseased leeches included severe rot of the head and tail, body cavity effusion, and redness or swelling of the clitellum. Histopathological observation of diseased leeches showed that the muscle tissue cells were scattered, randomly arranged with a large intercellular space and swollen. Eight strains were isolated from the rotten issue of a diseased leech, and WP204 was confirmed as having the strongest pathogenicity by Koch's postulates. This strain was identified as A. allosaccharophila WP204 by physiological and biochemical identification and phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome sequence. The optimal growth conditions were 18–38 °C, pH 5–9, and 0–3% salinity. The isolate was susceptible to 14 drugs, including chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, and resistant to rifampicin and clindamycin. For leeches, the LD50 of WP204 was 3.65 × 105 CFU/mL, and the LT50 decreased with increasing WP204 concentration. The present study is the first report of a leech-pathogenic strain of A. allosaccharophila in China, providing a reference for the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in the standardized breeding of leeches.

Oral Cavity Fluid as an Alternative Postmortem Matrix: Comparison to Simultaneously Collected Blood and Urine Specimens.

In postmortem toxicology analysis, a variety of specimens consisting of fluids and tissues are often collected, each with an intrinsic value. Oral cavity fluid (OCF) is emerging as an alternative matrix in forensic toxicology for contributing to a diagnosis in postmortem cases; especially when blood is limited or not available. The aim of this study was to assess the analytical results obtained from OCF and compare them with blood, urine, and other traditional matrices collected from the same postmortem subjects. Of the 62 decedents studied (including 1 stillborn, 1 charred, and 3 decomposed subjects), 56 had quantifiable drugs and metabolites data in the OCF, blood, and urine. Notable findings were benzoylecgonine (24 cases), ethyl sulfate (23 cases), acetaminophen (21 cases), morphine (21 cases), naloxone (21 cases), gabapentin (20 cases), fentanyl (17 cases), and 6-acetylmorphine (15 cases), which were detected more frequently in OCF than in blood (heart, femoral, or body cavity) or urine. This study suggests that OCF is a suitable matrix for detecting and quantifying analytes in postmortem subjects compared with traditional matrices, particularly when other matrices are limited or difficult to collect because of body condition or putrefaction.

<i>Hofmaenneria baikalensis</i> sp. n. and <i>Paratrilobus longisomus</i> sp. n. (Nematoda) from Lake Baikal

Illustrated descriptions of two new species of free-living nematodes Hofmaenneria baikalensis sp. n. and Paratrilobus longisomus sp. n. found in the Lake Baikal (Russia) are given. Hofmaenneria baikalensis sp. n. is close to H. keoladeoensis Khan et al., 2005, H. niddensis (Skwarra, 1921) Schneider, 1940 and H. sitnikovae Gagarin, Naumova, 2010. It differs from these three species in a presence of crystals in the body cavity and presence of three oval cardial glands. Paratrilobus longisomus sp. n. is close in the body size to P. expugnator (Tsalolichin, 1976) and P. rapis Gagarin, 1991 but it has a relatively shorter and slenderer tail and presence of subterminal seta at the tail end.

О сроках сохранения фертильности икры и эмбриональном развитии минтая Gadus chalcogrammus (Gadidae) северной части Охотского моря

Experimental work was carried out to find out the timing of the fertility preservation for eggs remaining in the body cavity of the North Sea Alaska Pollock females after spawning, as well as the possibility of their normal course of embryogenesis. It was established that eggs remaining after spawning in the pollock female body cavity are not resorbed simultaneously. 2 months after mass spawning, 2.7 % of them still retain fertility, and, with artificial insemination, they are characterized by high survival, suffering no violations during embryogenesis. Data on the embryonic development of the species, the timing of the steps and main stages of embryogenesis, and the amount of heat required to achieve them are given. It is shown that pollock eggs and pre-larvae from residual fertility are significantly smaller in metric parameters than those from natural spawning, but morphologically are identical to them. Regional features of morphometric indicators for eggs and newly hatched pollock larvae in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk were revealed.

A dye-based desalinating evaporator independent on solar absorber of excellent optical properties for efficient desalination

Different from traditional organic photothermal composites, dye is a type of nonconducting organic substance that commonly employed to endow fabric cloth with diverse color. Especially, its characterizations of strong adhesion and low-cost remind us the potential application prospect to establish a sustainable desalination system by it. Whereas, through previous investigation, the low absorbance hampered it from efficient utilizing solar energy. Referring to the 3D-cup structure that reported before, herein, an evaporative structure, which even can be assembled by diverse colors of cloth other than black cloth, available to turn diverse colors in to black body cavity was demonstrated in this work. Even after long period of 120 h for desalinating brine with salinity of 10 wt%, the evaporator with EAI index of 7.4 is fabricated to attain a superior broadband absorbance of 98 % and a high steam output of 4.072 kg m−2 h−1, in the function of the mechanism that main working place is transferring from bottom to the wall interface. Besides, the salt deposition forming on the wall of the evaporator can be facilely removed and collected, with the Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) concept being successfully realized by facile regeneration of device. This work demonstrates one other advantage of the 3D-cup shaped structure that enable to transfer multi-color spectrum into full-wavelength solar utilization. This discovery has never been reported before, making it possible to fabricate a solar-vapour evaporator independent on solar absorber of excellent optical properties for efficient desalination.

Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging anatomy of the coelomic cavity in market-age commercial Pekin Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus).

Approximately 27 million ducks are raised commercially in the US each year and Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) are the most commonly raised breed. Additionally, an increasing number of Americans are raising small flocks of poultry, which often include ducks, in their own backyards. This creates a need to better understand the imaging anatomy of ducks. However, in avian species, superimposition of organs limits evaluation of the coelomic cavity using the most common imaging modality, radiography. The use of cross-sectional imaging including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has increased in veterinary medicine research and clinical use. An anatomic atlas is essential for guiding research and diagnostic imaging. To date, no CT or MRI atlas exists for Pekin ducks. The purpose of the study is to generate a CT atlas of market-age Pekin ducks as well as CT attenuation values and measurements of coelomic organs with corresponding gross and MRI images. A total of 20 market-age, commercial Pekin ducks were imaged. Five male and five female ducks were imaged with CT; four of these ten ducks, two male and two female, were frozen and sliced in approximately 5 mm transverse sections for gross anatomic reference images. Six additional ducks, three male and three female ducks, were dissected to measure major organs. Four additional ducks were imaged using CT and MRI and necropsied for gross anatomical comparisons and landmarks. The atlas contained here may be used for future research projects and clinically to aid in diagnosis of disease in ducks.

Diagnosis of Non-Immune Hydrops Foetalis and Cystic Hygroma in a 20-Week Foetus: A Case Report

Hydrops foetalis (HF) is the excessive fluid accumulation in at least two foetal body cavities, including pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities, with associated soft tissue oedema. Most cases of hydrops foetalis were due to severe erythroblastosis foetalis, secondary to Rhesus isoimmunization. However, other variants include non-immune hydrops foetalis (NIHF). Foetal cystic hygroma, which occurs due to lymphatic obstruction, is commonly associated with immune hydrops foetalis (IHF). A combination of the conditions in a foetus tends to portend an abysmal prognosis because it can lead to abortion, intrauterine foetal death (IUFD) and early neonatal death (ENND). We report a case of a 22-year-old woman with a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of a combination of NIHF and foetal cystic hygroma at 20 weeks of gestation. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis of the anomalies so that early termination of pregnancy can be performed if the patient desires.

Wound Management, Including the Use of an Extracellular Matrix Powder, in a Blue-Tongued Skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

A 10-year-old intact male, blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) presented with large dorsal wounds penetrating deep into the coelomic cavity. After initial debridement, decontamination, and bandaging, a powdered form of porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) was applied to the wound and covered with a non-adhesive bandage. Three days following application, a thin crust formed over the wound bed. Within seven days of application, reduced wound depth and granulation tissue were present, at which point the crust was removed, and a second application of ECM powder was made. Eleven days after initial application, approximately 50% of the wound was covered by thin epithelial tissue extending from the wound margins. Fifteen days after the first application, 100% of the wound appeared to be covered with thin epithelial tissue with marginal crusting. The patient was discharged 24 days post presentation (15 days post initial ECM application) with no further treatment. The owner was instructed to remove the bandage seven days post discharge. Twenty-four days after the initial application, the owner reported a full shed with complete epithelization and no further crusting. The patient was followed up 31 days after the initial presentation and was assessed as recovered from the initial wounds. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported use of an ECM powder, or a xenogeneic material used to treat a traumatic wound in a Tiliqua.

Application of Ultrasound in Detecting and Removing Migrating Grass Awns in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.

Migrating grass awns are an important cause of disease in dogs and cats. Plant awns can migrate into several body tissues and cavities because of their fusiform shape and backward-pointing barbs. Their migration causes inflammatory tissue reaction and clinical signs depend upon their localization. Ultrasound has been described as a useful, noninvasive, and readily available tool to identify and guide vegetal foreign bodies removal in animals. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge on the application of ultrasonography in the identification and removal of grass awns from various anatomic locations in dogs and cats. We selected and analyzed 46 papers on the application of ultrasonography in dogs and cats affected by migrating grass awns. The ultrasonographic appearance of grass awns is characteristic, although their size and location can influence the visualization and the attempt of removal. In some cases, migrating grass awns are not directly visualized by ultrasonography, but the lesions caused by their migration can be easily seen. Ultrasonography can be considered a useful diagnostic tool to localize and remove migrating grass awns; however, when the migration occurs in less accessible locations or discrete foreign bodies are present, this diagnostic tool should be considered as a part of a multidisciplinary approach with advanced diagnostic imaging modalities.

Pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) infection in two species of Neotropical monkeys from Brazil.

Among vector-borne helminths, filarioids of the genus Dipetalonema (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) localize in several tissues and body cavities of several animal species, causing mild to moderate lesions. The pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. infection in Neotropical monkeys from southern Brazil are herein described, along with a fatal case due to filarial polyserositis and entrapment of an intestinal segment. At necropsy, nematodes were observed in abdominal and thoracic cavities, or in the pericardium of 37 (31.3%) out of the 118 individuals examined (i.e., 35 Alouatta guariba clamitans and two Sapajus nigritus). In addition, at histology, 27.0% of positive animals presented microfilarie (inside blood vessels of lung, spleen, liver, and brain) and 8.1% presented adult nematodes in the heart, lung, and liver. In two cases, cross-sections of filarioids were associated with areas of epicardial thickening with intense fibrosis and pyogranulomatous inflammation in the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or spleen. The DNA fragment was amplify using the cox1 gene, sequenced and analyzed to identify the nematode species collected; presence of Wolbachia was assessed in the filarioids using the 16S rRNA gene. At BLAST analysis of the cox1 gene, 10 sequences showed 91.7% nucleotide identity with Dipetalonema gracile, and two with D. gracile (98.5%) and Dipetalonema graciliformis (98.3%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences ofthe cox1 obtained in this study in two clades corresponding with the host species. Wolbachia sp. endosymbiont was detected in four samples. Data herein reported provide a description of pathological lesions associated with the infection by Dipetalonema spp., suggesting that they may cause disease in Neotropical monkeys. In addition, a better understanding of diversity and biology of Dipetalonema spp. in South America is needed to assess the impact they may cause in native non-human primates from Brazil.

A molecular and ecological study of Macracanthorhynchus ingens (von Linstow, 1879) (Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala), in its paratenic and definitive hosts in southeastern Mexico and the Eastern USA.

The acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus ingens (von Linstow 1879) (Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala) is a parasite that infects the gut of carnivores (racoons, coyotes, wolves, foxes, badgers, skunks, opossum, mink and bears) as an adult and the body cavity of lizards, snakes, and frogs as a cystacanth in the Americas. In this study, adults and cystacanths of M. ingens from southeastern Mexico and southern Florida, USA, were identified morphologically by having a cylindrical proboscis armed with 6 rows of hooks each with 6 hooks. Hologenophores were used to sequence the small (SSU) and large (LSU) subunits of ribosomal DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1) from mitochondrial DNA.Phylogenetic analysis of the new SSU and LSU sequences of M. ingens placed them in a clade with other sequences available in GenBank identified as M. ingens. The cox 1 tree showed that the nine new sequences and six previously published sequences of M. ingens from the USA form a clade with other sequences previously identified as M. ingens from GenBank. The intraspecific genetic divergence among isolates from the Americas ranged from 0 to 2%, and in combination with the phylogenetic trees confirmed that the isolates belonged to the same species. The cox 1 haplotype network inferred with 15 sequences revealed 10 haplotypes separated from each other by a few substitutions. Rio Grande Leopard Frogs and Vaillant´s Frogs harbored cystacanths with low prevalence, 28% and 37% respectively, in Mexico. Brown Basilisks, an invasive lizard in Florida, USA, had high values of prevalence, 92% and 93% in males and females, respectively. Females harbored more cystacanths than males (0-39 vs 0-21) for unknown reasons that may, however, be related to ecological differences.

Quantification of proteomic profile changes in the hemolymph of crayfish during in vitro coagulation

Hemolymph is the circulatory fluid that fills the body cavity of crustaceans, analogous to blood in vertebrates. Hemolymph coagulation, similar to blood clotting in vertebrates, plays a crucial role in wound healing and innate immune responses. Despite extensive studies on the clotting process in crustaceans, no comparative quantitative analysis of the protein composition of non-clotted and clotted hemolymph in any decapod has been reported. In this study, we used label-free protein quantification with high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify the proteomic profile of hemolymph in crayfish and quantify significant changes in protein abundances between non-clotted and clotted hemolymph. Our analysis identified a total of two-hundred and nineteen proteins in both hemolymph groups. Furthermore, we discussed the potential functions of the top most high and low-abundant proteins in hemolymph proteomic profile. The quantity of most of the proteins was not significantly changed during coagulation between non-clotted and clotted hemolymph, which may indicate that clotting proteins are likely pre-synthesized, allowing for a swift coagulation response to injury. Four proteins still showed abundance differences (p < 0.05, fold change>2), including C-type lectin domain-containing proteins, Laminin A chain, Tropomyosin, and Reverse transcriptase domain-containing proteins. While the first three proteins were down-regulated, the last one was up-regulated. The down-regulation of structural and cytoskeletal proteins may affect the process of hemocyte degranulation needed for coagulation, while the up-regulation of an immune-related protein might be attributed to the phagocytosis ability of viable hemocytes during coagulation.

Ultrasonographic features of Marek's disease in a chicken.

A 4-year-old chicken was presented with a history of anorexia, depression, and blindness. An ultrasound examination of the coelomic cavity was performed that revealed splenomegaly, hepatic nodules, and hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall. Ultrasonography of the coelomic cavity was done and revealed splenomegaly, nodular hepatic changes, and hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall. A diagnosis of Marek's disease was made based on the history and extension of the abdominal organ changes and confirmed by histopathology. This study describes an ultrasonographic appearance of Marek's disease in a chicken and emphasizes the importance and benefits of ultrasonography in staging the progression of Marek's disease.

Using DNA barcoding to link cystacanths and adults of the acanthocephalan Corynosoma australe of the Southeastern Pacific Ocean (off Peru coast).

The objective of this study is to use DNA barcoding to link cystacanths and adults belonging to the acanthocephalans Corynosoma australe found in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean off the coast central from Peru. We sampled three species of commercial fish (Paralichthys adspersus (Steindachner), Paralabrax humeralis (Valenciennes), and Cheilodactylus variegatus (Valenciennes)) and two South American sea lions, Otaria byronia, stranded on the beaches of the city of Huacho and Barranca, Lima province. A total of 509 acanthocephalan larvae were found in the body cavity of 95 fish (prevalence 54.28%, total mean intensity 8.64). A total of 127 adult worms were found in the large intestine from two South American sea lions (P= 100%, MI= 63.5). A total of 203 larvae from P. humeralis were isolates (P=65.71%; MI= 8.83; MA=5.8), 235 (P=54.29%; MI= 12.37; MA= 6.71) from C. variegatus, and 71 (P=42.86%; MI= 4.73; MA= 2.03) from P. adspersus. All adult and larval specimens were morphologically identified as C. australe. They were generated cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequences of specimens and were compared with available data from GenBank. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported our morphological identification, where the Peruvian isolates formed a clade with other isolates of C. australe from other countries of the American continent. Of the sequences obtained, two haplotypes were detected and were not identical with previous reports. Based on both DNA barcoding and morphological analyses, our finding represents the first molecular data of C. australe from Peru and the report of Cheilodactylus variegatus as a new paratenic host on the central coast, extending the knowledge and distribution range of this acanthocephalan in Southeastern Pacific Ocean.

Pendidikan dan Pelatihan Pemilahan Sampah Domestik untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Tubuh dan Rongga Mulut Warga RW 01 Kelurahan Grogol Petamburan

The problem of domestic waste in Indonesia related to the behavior of people who do not understand the impact of poor environmental hygiene which will lead to the emergence of various diseases in the body and oral cavity. Domestic waste is the remaining waste generated from household activities. Domestic waste is divided into organic that can be processed and inorganic that cannot be processed. The most pronounced impact is the emergence of various diseases such as intestinal worms, diarrhea, cholera, typhoid and anemia while infection can occur in the oral cavity so that infection can occur locally or systemically. Community Service (PkM) was carried out offline at the Grogol Petamburan Hall which was attended by 37 representatives of dasawisma and jumantik cadres, heads of RT 01 – 14 and RW 01. The material provided was in the form of various kinds of domestic waste (organic and inorganic), management of domestic waste, diseases that arise in the body and oral cavity due to a dirty environment, how to wash hands and how to brush your teeth properly in the form of ppt, e-flyer and video. Evaluation of success by conducting a pre and post test containing 10 knowledge questions and 10 attitude questions. There was an increase in participants knowledge of 22.3% and an improvement in attitude towards a better one. The results obtained from this activity are very good with partners willing to carry out PkM activities. At the end of the activity, toothpaste and a donation of trash bins were given to each RT.

Simplified Light's Criteria and Acute Phase Proteins Reflect Aetiology of Feline Body Cavity Effusions Better than the Traditional Classification Scheme.

The traditional veterinary classification (TVC) of effusions based on cell count and total protein (TP) does not adequately reflect the aetiology. Light's criteria (LC) (activity of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] in the effusion [LDHef], effusion/serum LDH ratio [LDHr], effusion/serum TP ratio [TPr]), serum-effusion albumin gradient (ALBg), acute phase proteins (APPs) [serum amyloid A (SAA), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), haptoglobin] might aid classification. The aim was to evaluate the utility of these parameters except LDHr in differentiating exudates from transudates. Sixty-five cats with effusions (33 peritoneal, 31 pleural, 1 pericardial), with 18 transudates and 47 exudates based on aetiological classification (AC), were included. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of several parameters to identify exudates (based on AC) was assessed. APPs were compared between exudates and transudates based on AC and TVC, with receiver operating characteristics analysis identifying the best APP to recognise exudates. Simplified LC (LDHef, TPr) had an accuracy of 79% and TVC of 48%. ALBg had the highest sensitivity (98%) and LDHef the highest specificity (83%) in identifying exudates in cats. All APPs but effusion SAA could differentiate exudates from transudates based on AC (effusion AGP had the largest area under the curve 0.79) but not TVC. All parameters were better than TVC in identifying exudates. The conformity of APPs with AC but not TVC favours the use of AC to classify effusions.

Intestinal Torsion and Volvulus Through a Mesenteric Rupture in a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

A female spayed bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) of unknown age presented with a 48-hour history of anorexia and lethargy. On presentation, the patient had a black beard, sunken eyes and a full coelomic cavity on palpation, although no specific thickening or masses were noted. Diagnostic investigations were conducted in the form of radiographs and ultrasonography. The owner elected euthanasia due to deterioration in the patient’s condition. Gross and microscopic post-mortem examination revealed a torsion and volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract through a rupture in the mesentery, with marked red/black, segmental discolouration to the intestines. Limitations of this study include no further diagnostic tests other than imaging and decision to euthanise hindering the ability to explore surgical correction. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of intestinal torsion and volvulus through a mesenteric rupture in a bearded dragon.