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Fernandez A, Jepson PD, Diaz-Delgado J, de Quiros YB, Sierra E, Mompeo B, Vela AI, Di Guardo G, Suarez-Santana C, de Los Monteros AE, Herraez P, Andrada M, Caballero MJ, Rivero M, Consoli F, Castro-Alonso A, Quesada-Canales O, Arbelo M. Budd-Chiari-like pathology in dolphins. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12635. [PMID: 35879404 PMCID: PMC9314369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly two decades ago, pathologic examination results suggested that acoustic factors, such as mid-frequency active naval military sonar (MFAS) could be the cause of acute decompression-like sickness in stranded beaked whales. Acute systemic gas embolism in these whales was reported together with enigmatic cystic liver lesions (CLL), characterized by intrahepatic encapsulated gas-filled cysts, tentatively interpreted as “gas-bubble” lesions in various other cetacean species. Here we provide a pathologic reinterpretation of CLL in odontocetes. Among 1,200 cetaceans necropsied, CLL were only observed in four striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), with a low prevalence (2%, N = 179). Together, our data strongly suggest that CLL are the result of the combination of a pre-existing or concomitant hepatic vascular disorder superimposed and exacerbated by gas bubbles, and clearly differ from acute systemic gas embolism in stranded beaked whales that is linked to MFAS. Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in dolphins is hypothesized based on the present pathologic findings. Nonetheless, further researched is warranted to determine precise etiopathogenesis(es) and contributing factors for CLL in cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fernandez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Institute of Zoology, London, UK
| | - Josue Diaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quiros
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Blanca Mompeo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Human Medicine School, University Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | | | - Giovanni Di Guardo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Veterinary School, Teramo University, Teramo, Italy
| | - Cristian Suarez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Espinosa de Los Monteros
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Pedro Herraez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Miguel Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ayoze Castro-Alonso
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (Plocan), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Oscar Quesada-Canales
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
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2
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Analysis of risk factors associated with gas embolism and evaluation of predictors of mortality in 482 loggerhead sea turtles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22693. [PMID: 34811412 PMCID: PMC8608947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles that are entrapped in static and towed nets may develop gas embolism which can lead to severe organ injury and death. Trawling characteristics, physical and physiologic factors associated with gas-embolism and predictors of mortality were analysed from 482 bycaught loggerheads. We found 204 turtles affected by gas-embolism and significant positive correlations between the presence of gas-embolism and duration, depth, ascent rate of trawl, turtle size and temperature, and between mortality and ascent time, neurological deficits, significant acidosis and involvement of > 12 cardiovascular sites and the left atrium and sinus venosus-right atrium. About 90% turtles with GE alive upon arrival at Sea Turtle Clinic recovered from the disease without any supportive drug therapy. Results of this study may be useful in clinical evaluation, prognostication, and management for turtles affected by gas-embolism, but bycatch reduction must become a priority for major international organizations. According to the results of the present study the measures to be considered to reduce the catches or mortality of sea turtles for trawling are to be found in the modification of fishing nets or fishing operations and in greater awareness and education of fishermen.
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3
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Fernandez A, Baird RW, Brownell RL, Aguilar de Soto N, Allen D, Arbelo M, Arregui M, Costidis A, Fahlman A, Frantzis A, Gulland FMD, Iñíguez M, Johnson M, Komnenou A, Koopman H, Pabst DA, Roe WD, Sierra E, Tejedor M, Schorr G. Advances in research on the impacts of anti-submarine sonar on beaked whales. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20182533. [PMID: 30963955 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass stranding events (MSEs) of beaked whales (BWs) were extremely rare prior to the 1960s but increased markedly after the development of naval mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). The temporal and spatial associations between atypical BW MSEs and naval exercises were first observed in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the mid-1980s. Further research on BWs stranded in association with naval exercises demonstrated pathological findings consistent with decompression sickness (DCS). A 2004 ban on MFASs around the Canary Islands successfully prevented additional BW MSEs in the region, but atypical MSEs have continued in other places of the world, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, with examined individuals showing DCS. A workshop held in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in September 2017 reviewed current knowledge on BW atypical MSEs associated with MFAS. Our review suggests that the effects of MFAS on BWs vary among individuals or populations, and predisposing factors may contribute to individual outcomes. Spatial management specific to BW habitat, such as the MFAS ban in the Canary Islands, has proven to be an effective mitigation tool and mitigation measures should be established in other areas taking into consideration known population-level information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Bernaldo de Quirós
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - A Fernandez
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - R W Baird
- 2 Cascadia Research Collective , 218½ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501 , USA
| | - R L Brownell
- 3 NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center , Monterey, CA 93940 , USA
| | - N Aguilar de Soto
- 4 BIOECOMAC. Dept. Animal Biology, Geology and Edaphology, University of La Laguna , Tenerife , Spain
| | - D Allen
- 5 US Marine Mammal Commission , 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 , USA
| | - M Arbelo
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - M Arregui
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - A Costidis
- 6 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program , 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 , USA
| | - A Fahlman
- 7 Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana , Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia , Spain
| | - A Frantzis
- 8 Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute , Terpsichoris 21, 16671 Vouliagmeni , Greece
| | - F M D Gulland
- 5 US Marine Mammal Commission , 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 , USA.,9 The Marine Mammal Center , 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965 , USA
| | - M Iñíguez
- 10 Fundación Cethus and WDC , Cap J. Bermúdez 1598, (1636), Olivos, Prov. Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - M Johnson
- 11 Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews , St Andrews , UK
| | - A Komnenou
- 12 School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - H Koopman
- 13 Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington , Wilmington, NC 28403 , USA
| | - D A Pabst
- 13 Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington , Wilmington, NC 28403 , USA
| | - W D Roe
- 14 Massey University , Palmerston North, PN4222 , New Zealand
| | - E Sierra
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - M Tejedor
- 15 Canary Islands Stranding Network , Irlanda 7, Playa Blanca, 35580, Lanzarote , Spain
| | - G Schorr
- 16 Marine Ecology & Telemetry Research , 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW, Seabeck, WA 98380 , USA
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Nabi G, McLaughlin RW, Hao Y, Wang K, Zeng X, Khan S, Wang D. The possible effects of anthropogenic acoustic pollution on marine mammals' reproduction: an emerging threat to animal extinction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:19338-19345. [PMID: 29804251 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
For about 119 species of cetaceans and other aquatic animals, sound is the key source of learning about the environment, navigation, communication, foraging, and avoiding predators. However, in the recent era, the introduction of large quantities of anthropogenic noise into the ocean has significantly altered the ocean's acoustic environment. The anthropogenic noises travel very long distances, blanketing enormous areas. This can affect cetaceans, either by direct killing or compromising hearing, navigation, communication, predation, as well as normal behaviors. It has been suggested that acoustic pollution could possibly negatively affect cetacean reproduction, which is harmful for endangered and threatened species. However, it is still unknown how acoustic pollution can suppress cetacean reproduction. This is the first comprehensive review article, which focuses on the possible consequences affecting the reproduction of marine mammals resulting from acoustic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | | | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xianyuan Zeng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Suliman Khan
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
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5
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Hartwick M, Rotstein DS, Garner MM, Bogomolni A, Greer W, Niemeyer ME, Early G, Wenzel F, Moore M. Discrimination between bycatch and other causes of cetacean and pinniped stranding. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2018; 127:83-95. [PMID: 29384478 DOI: 10.3354/dao03189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The challenge of identifying cause of death in discarded bycaught marine mammals stems from a combination of the non-specific nature of the lesions of drowning, the complex physiologic adaptations unique to breath-holding marine mammals, lack of case histories, and the diverse nature of fishing gear. While no pathognomonic lesions are recognized, signs of acute external entanglement, bulging or reddened eyes, recently ingested gastric contents, pulmonary changes, and decompression-associated gas bubbles have been identified in the condition of peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) syndrome in previous studies of marine mammals. We reviewed the gross necropsy and histopathology reports of 36 cetaceans and pinnipeds including 20 directly observed bycaught and 16 live stranded animals that were euthanized between 2005 and 2011 for lesions consistent with PUE. We identified 5 criteria which present at significantly higher rates in bycaught marine mammals: external signs of acute entanglement, red or bulging eyes, recently ingested gastric contents, multi-organ congestion, and disseminated gas bubbles detected grossly during the necropsy and histologically. In contrast, froth in the trachea or primary bronchi, and lung changes (i.e. wet, heavy, froth, edema, congestion, and hemorrhage) were poor indicators of PUE. This is the first study that provides insight into the different published parameters for PUE in bycatch. For regions frequently confronted by stranded marine mammals with non-specific lesions, this could potentially aid in the investigation and quantification of marine fisheries interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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6
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Abstract
Diving air-breathing vertebrates have long been considered protected against decompression sickness (DCS) through anatomical, physiological, and behavioural adaptations. However, an acute systemic gas and fat embolic syndrome similar to DCS in human divers was described in beaked whales that stranded in temporal and spatial association with military exercises involving high-powered sonar. More recently, DCS has been diagnosed in bycaught sea turtles. Both cases were linked to human activities. Two Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) out of 493 necropsied cetaceans stranded in the Canary Islands in a 16-year period (2000-2015), had a severe acute decompression sickness supported by pathological findings and gas analysis. Deadly systemic, inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic diseases, ship collision, military sonar, fisheries interaction or other type of lethal inducing associated trauma were ruled out. Struggling with a squid during hunting is discussed as the most likely cause of DCS.
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7
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Kremers D, Célérier A, Schaal B, Campagna S, Trabalon M, Böye M, Hausberger M, Lemasson A. Sensory Perception in Cetaceans: Part I—Current Knowledge about Dolphin Senses As a Representative Species. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2016.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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8
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Díaz-Delgado J, Fernández A, Xuriach A, Sierra E, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Mompeo B, Pérez L, Andrada M, Marigo J, Catão-Dias JL, Groch KR, Edwards JF, Arbelo M. Verminous Arteritis Due to Crassicauda sp. in Cuvier's Beaked Whales (Ziphius Cavirostris). Vet Pathol 2016; 53:1233-1240. [PMID: 27106736 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816642228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system of Cuvier's beaked whales (CBW) (Ziphius cavirostris; family Ziphiidae), an extremely deep, prolonged-diving cetacean, is increasingly receiving anatomic and physiologic study due to possible anthropogenic interactions; however, vascular pathology rarely has been reported in this species. Thirteen CBW stranded in the Canary Islands from June 2008 to June 2014 were autopsied. A careful dissection of the thoracic and abdominal vasculature was performed on these animals. All had moderate to severe and extensive chronic fibrosing arteritis with aneurysms, hemorrhages, and thrombosis primarily involving the mesenteric and gastroepiploic arteries and the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Microscopically, the lesions varied from subacute subintimal hemorrhages and severe neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and histiocytic dissecting arteritis with intralesional nematode larvae to marked, chronic, fibrosing arteritis with thickening and distortion of the vascular wall with calcification and occasional cartilage metaplasia. In addition, adult nematodes in renal arteries and veins, renal parenchyma and/or ureter were identified morphologically as Crassicauda sp. Nucleic acid sequenced from renal nematodes from 2 animals yielded closest nucleotide identity to C. magna The pathogenesis is proposed to involve a host response to larval migration from the intestine to the kidney through the mesenteric arteries, abdominal aorta, and renal arteries. Severe consequences for such lesions are possible and could vary from reduced vascular compliance to chronic renal disease and predisposition to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure. Severe chronic arteritis in CBW is associated with renal parasitism by Crassicauda spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Díaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - A Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Department of Morphology, Veterinary and Medicine School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - A Xuriach
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - E Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Y Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Department of Life Sciences, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | - B Mompeo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Department of Morphology, Veterinary and Medicine School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - L Pérez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Department of Morphology, Veterinary and Medicine School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - M Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J Marigo
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J L Catão-Dias
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - K R Groch
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J F Edwards
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - M Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Department of Morphology, Veterinary and Medicine School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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9
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Tal D, Shachar-Bener H, Hershkovitz D, Arieli Y, Shupak A. Evidence for the initiation of decompression sickness by exposure to intense underwater sound. J Neurophysiol 2015; 114:1521-9. [PMID: 26133802 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00466.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass stranding of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), in close association with the activity of naval sonar systems, has been reported on numerous occasions. Necropsy showed bubble-associated lesions similar to those described in human decompression sickness (DCS). We examined the hypothesis that exposure to underwater sound may potentiate DCS. Rats were subjected to immersion and simulated dives with and without simultaneous acoustic transmissions at pressure levels and frequencies of 204 dB/8 kHz and 183.3 dB/15 kHz. DCS severity was assessed using the rotating wheel method. Recording of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) was employed under general anesthesia as an electrophysiological measure of neurologic insult. A significantly higher rate of decompression sickness was found among animals exposed to the 204-dB/8-kHz sound field. Significantly higher pathological SSEPs scores were noted for both underwater sound protocols. Pathological SSEPs scores in animals immersed during the acoustic transmissions, but without changes in ambient pressure, were comparable to those observed in animals exposed to the dive profile. The results demonstrate induction of neurological damage by intense underwater sound during immersion, with a further deleterious effect when this was combined with decompression stress. The study outcome has potential implications for human diving safety and may provide an explanation for the mass stranding of cetaceans purportedly associated with sonar activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dror Tal
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hofit Shachar-Bener
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dov Hershkovitz
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel; Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehuda Arieli
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
| | - Avi Shupak
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Unit of Otoneurology, Lin Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; and Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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10
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Holt WV, Brown JL, Comizzoli P. Reproductive science as an essential component of conservation biology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:3-14. [PMID: 25091903 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter we argue that reproductive science in its broadest sense has never been more important in terms of its value to conservation biology, which itself is a synthetic and multidisciplinary topic. Over recent years the place of reproductive science in wildlife conservation has developed massively across a wide and integrated range of cutting edge topics. We now have unprecedented insight into the way that environmental change affects basic reproductive functions such as ovulation, sperm production, pregnancy and embryo development through previously unsuspected influences such as epigenetic modulation of the genome. Environmental change in its broadest sense alters the quality of foodstuffs that all animals need for reproductive success, changes the synchrony between breeding seasons and reproductive events, perturbs gonadal and embryo development through the presence of pollutants in the environment and drives species to adapt their behaviour and phenotype. In this book we explore many aspects of reproductive science and present wide ranging and up to date accounts of the scientific and technological advances that are currently enabling reproductive science to support conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V Holt
- Academic Department of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF, UK,
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11
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García-Párraga D, Crespo-Picazo JL, de Quirós YB, Cervera V, Martí-Bonmati L, Díaz-Delgado J, Arbelo M, Moore MJ, Jepson PD, Fernández A. Decompression sickness ('the bends') in sea turtles. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2014; 111:191-205. [PMID: 25320032 DOI: 10.3354/dao02790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Decompression sickness (DCS), as clinically diagnosed by reversal of symptoms with recompression, has never been reported in aquatic breath-hold diving vertebrates despite the occurrence of tissue gas tensions sufficient for bubble formation and injury in terrestrial animals. Similarly to diving mammals, sea turtles manage gas exchange and decompression through anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. In the former group, DCS-like lesions have been observed on necropsies following behavioral disturbance such as high-powered acoustic sources (e.g. active sonar) and in bycaught animals. In sea turtles, in spite of abundant literature on diving physiology and bycatch interference, this is the first report of DCS-like symptoms and lesions. We diagnosed a clinico-pathological condition consistent with DCS in 29 gas-embolized loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta from a sample of 67. Fifty-nine were recovered alive and 8 had recently died following bycatch in trawls and gillnets of local fisheries from the east coast of Spain. Gas embolization and distribution in vital organs were evaluated through conventional radiography, computed tomography, and ultrasound. Additionally, positive response following repressurization was clinically observed in 2 live affected turtles. Gas embolism was also observed postmortem in carcasses and tissues as described in cetaceans and human divers. Compositional gas analysis of intravascular bubbles was consistent with DCS. Definitive diagnosis of DCS in sea turtles opens a new era for research in sea turtle diving physiology, conservation, and bycatch impact mitigation, as well as for comparative studies in other air-breathing marine vertebrates and human divers.
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Affiliation(s)
- D García-Párraga
- Oceanografic, Veterinary Services, Parques Reunidos Valencia, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 1B, 46013 Valencia, Spain
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de Quirós YB, González-Diaz O, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Sacchini S, Fernández A. Decompression vs. Decomposition: Distribution, Amount, and Gas Composition of Bubbles in Stranded Marine Mammals. Front Physiol 2012; 3:177. [PMID: 22675306 PMCID: PMC3366475 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas embolic lesions linked to military sonar have been described in stranded cetaceans including beaked whales. These descriptions suggest that gas bubbles in marine mammal tissues may be more common than previously thought. In this study we have analyzed gas amount (by gas score) and gas composition within different decomposition codes using a standardized methodology. This broad study has allowed us to explore species-specific variability in bubble prevalence, amount, distribution, and composition, as well as masking of bubble content by putrefaction gases. Bubbles detected within the cardiovascular system and other tissues related to both pre- and port-mortem processes are a common finding on necropsy of stranded cetaceans. To minimize masking by putrefaction gases, necropsy, and gas sampling must be performed as soon as possible. Before 24 h post mortem is recommended but preferably within 12 h post mortem. At necropsy, amount of bubbles (gas score) in decomposition code 2 in stranded cetaceans was found to be more important than merely presence vs. absence of bubbles from a pathological point of view. Deep divers presented higher abundance of gas bubbles, mainly composed of 70% nitrogen and 30% CO2, suggesting a higher predisposition of these species to suffer from decompression-related gas embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas, Spain
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, González-Díaz O, Saavedra P, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Sacchini S, Jepson PD, Mazzariol S, Di Guardo G, Fernández A. Methodology for in situ gas sampling, transport and laboratory analysis of gases from stranded cetaceans. Sci Rep 2011; 1:193. [PMID: 22355708 PMCID: PMC3240978 DOI: 10.1038/srep00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas-bubble lesions were described in cetaceans stranded in spatio-temporal concordance with naval exercises using high-powered sonars. A behaviourally induced decompression sickness-like disease was proposed as a plausible causal mechanism, although these findings remain scientifically controversial. Investigations into the constituents of the gas bubbles in suspected gas embolism cases are highly desirable. We have found that vacuum tubes, insulin syringes and an aspirometer are reliable tools for in situ gas sampling, storage and transportation without appreciable loss of gas and without compromising the accuracy of the analysis. Gas analysis is conducted by gas chromatography in the laboratory. This methodology was successfully applied to a mass stranding of sperm whales, to a beaked whale stranded in spatial and temporal association with military exercises and to a cetacean chronic gas embolism case. Results from the freshest animals confirmed that bubbles were relatively free of gases associated with putrefaction and consisted predominantly of nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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Parsons ECM, Dolman SJ, Wright AJ, Rose NA, Burns WCG. Navy sonar and cetaceans: just how much does the gun need to smoke before we act? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 56:1248-1257. [PMID: 18534632 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cetacean mass stranding events associated with naval mid-frequency sonar use have raised considerable conservation concerns. These strandings have mostly involved beaked whales, with common pathologies, including "bubble lesions" similar to decompression sickness symptoms and acoustic traumas. However, other cetacean species have also stranded coincident with naval exercises. Possible mechanisms for the strandings include a behavioral response that causes deep divers to alter their diving behavior, which then results in decompression sickness-like impacts. Current mitigation measures during military exercises are focused on preventing auditory damage (hearing loss), but there are significant flaws with this approach. Behavioral responses, which occur at lower sound levels than those that cause hearing loss, may be more critical. Thus, mitigation measures should be revised. A growing number of international bodies recognize this issue and have urged increasing scrutiny of sound-producing activities, but many national jurisdictions have resisted calls for increased protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C M Parsons
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
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NOWACEK DOUGLASP, THORNE LESLEYH, JOHNSTON DAVIDW, TYACK PETERL. Responses of cetaceans to anthropogenic noise. Mamm Rev 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2007.00104.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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