Mazzariol Exam

Question 1

What samples can be collected at DCC 2?

Answer 1

• Microbiology: Recommended, as samples are still reliable.
• Toxicology: Viable and effective for pollutants and biomarker investigations.
• Histology: Tissue preservation is still good enough for analysis.
• Stable isotopes: Possible depending on the analysis planned.
• Biomarkers: Reliable depending on the target analysis.

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Question 2

What does liver evaluation involve?

Answer 2

• Visual inspection for color, consistency, and distribution of abnormalities.
• Look for nodules, discolorations, and the presence of parasites.
• Note the condition of bile ducts (no gall bladder in cetaceans).

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Question 3

How should liver samples be preserved for histology?

Answer 3

Fix samples in 10% neutral buffered formalin.

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Question 4

What preservation method should be used for microbiology samples?

Answer 4

Freeze samples at −80°C.

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Question 5

What methodology can be used to estimate the age of an animal?

Answer 5

• Examine teeth for growth layer groups (GLGs).
• Analyze ear plugs in larger cetaceans.
• Bone sections (e.g., growth layers in bone) can also be used.

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Question 6

What samples are suitable for age estimation at DCC 1–5?

Answer 6

• Teeth: Suitable for all DCCs (1–5).
• Bones: Best collected at DCC 1–3; specialized techniques may be required for advanced decomposition (DCC 4–5).

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Question 7

Match the preservation method with the type of analysis: Toxicology.

Answer 7

−20°C.

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Question 8

Which lab analyses can be done at DCC 1?

Answer 8

• Virology
• Microbiology
• Toxicology
• Histology
• Biomarkers
• Gross pathology

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Question 9

True or False: At DCC 5, only genetic studies and stable isotopes might still be feasible.

Answer 9

True.

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Question 10

What are the effects of plastic ingestion on health?

Answer 10

• Physical obstruction
• Perforation
• Chemical transfer
• Reduced nutrient absorption
• Chronic effects

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Question 11

When can plastic ingestion be deemed a cause of death?

Answer 11

• Clear signs of starvation or emaciation.
• Necropsy shows blockage of the GIT.
• Associated signs such as peritonitis, septicemia, or significant ulcerations in the GIT due to plastics.

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Question 12

What is ante-mortem evidence in trauma assessment?

Answer 12

• Hemorrhage
• Fat emboli
• Inflammation

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Question 13

What are the post-mortem evidence indicators?

Answer 13

• Absence of active hemorrhages.
• Scavenger bites or interactions with no bleeding.
• Decomposition artifacts that mimic trauma.

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Question 14

Identify evidence associated with Herpesvirus infections in cetaceans.

Answer 14

• Skin tattoos (Cetacean Pox Virus, CePV).
• Chronic skin erosions.

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Question 15

What preservation methods are used for genetics samples?

Answer 15

Store in ethanol or RNA later.

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Question 16

What are the applicable laws for tissue sampling in labs?

Answer 16

• Habitat Directive
• CITES
• Marine Strategy Framework Directive

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