Pearsonema spp. (Family Capillariidae, Order Enoplida) Infection in Domestic Carnivores in Central–Northern Italy and in a Red Fox Population from Central Italy

Pearsonema spp. nematodes infect the urinary bladder of domestic and wild carnivores. The red fox is considered a reservoir of Pearsonema plica, while the prevalence of Pearsonema spp. in domestic carnivores is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in privately owned cats (26) and dogs (83) from central and northern Italy alongside occurrence in red foxes (42) from central Italy. In positive dogs and cats, associated clinical signs were also evaluated. Urine samples were first examined under a stereomicroscope; then, they were centrifuged and microscopically examined after a flotation test. As for foxes, the urinary bladders were opened and urine was collected and processed as above, while collected nematodes were identified at the species level. Among examined animals, 2/26 cats (7.7%), 1/83 dogs (1.2%), and 38/42 foxes (90.5%) scored positive. Recurrent cystitis, pollakiuria, and hematuria were the main clinical signs in symptomatic dogs and cats. This is the first study on Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic carnivores examining a large number of privately owned pet animals. Obtained results confirm the role of the red fox as a reservoir for P. plica and suggest a possible high occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic cats of central Italy.

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Pathology of Urinary Bladder in Pearsonema spp. Infected Wildlife from Central Italy

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10040474 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 474

Author(s):

Claudia Eleni ◽

Alessia Mariacher ◽

Goffredo Grifoni ◽

Elena Cardini ◽

Sara Tonon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Canis Lupus ◽

Red Fox ◽

Central Italy ◽

Meles Meles ◽

Pathological Examination ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Eosinophilic Cystitis ◽

Wildlife Species ◽

Domestic Carnivores

The genus Pearsonema, in the nematode family Capillariidae, includes several species that parasitize the urinary bladders of wild and domestic carnivores. The infection has been reported worldwide from several wildlife species, including canids, mustelids, and felids, but the pathological aspects have seldom been investigated. In order to assess the presence and severity of the lesions in Pearsonema-infected wildlife, we performed a parasitological and pathological examination of urinary bladders from 72 animals, belonging to the families Canidae (red fox Vulpes vulpes, n = 28, and wolf Canis lupus, n = 29) and Mustelidae (beech marten Martes foina, n = 3; pine marten Martes martes, n = 2; and European badger Meles meles, n = 10). A greater prevalence of infection for canids (64.91%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 52.52–77.30%) than for mustelids (13.33%) (p < 0.001) was recorded. The prevalence of infection in red foxes was 75.0% (95% CI, 58.96–91.04%), in accordance with other reports from European countries, supporting the role of this species as a reservoir for infection. Eosinophilic cystitis was observed in 34 out of the 72 examined animals (47.22%). The influence of Pearsonema sp. infection on the occurrence of eosinophilic cystitis was statistically significant in wolves (p < 0.01), which were also affected by more severe histological lesions compared to foxes.

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Otolaryngology activity in two hospitals in northern and central Italy differently affected by COVID-19 pandemic

Science Progress ◽

10.1177/0036850421998487 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 104 (2) ◽

pp. 003685042199848

Author(s):

Antonio Minni ◽

Francesco Pilolli ◽

Massimo Ralli ◽

Niccolò Mevio ◽

Luca Roncoroni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Central Italy ◽

Northern Italy ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Geographical Differences ◽

Italian Regions

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a significant impact on the Italian healthcare system, although geographical differences were present; regions in northern Italy have been the most severely affected while regions in the south of the country were relatively spared. Otolaryngologists were actively involved in the management of the pandemic. In this work, we analyzed and compared the otolaryngology surgical activity performed during the pandemic in two large public hospitals located in different Italian regions. In northern Italy, otolaryngologists were mainly involved in performing surgical tracheotomies in COVID-19 positive patients and contributed to the management of these patients in intensive care units. In central Italy, where the burden of the infection was significantly lower, otolaryngologists focused on diagnosis and treatment of emergency and oncology patients. This analysis confirms the important role of the otolaryngology specialists during the pandemic, but also highlights specific differences between two large hospitals in different Italian regions.

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Health and social problems associated with HIV infection and AIDS in the professional activity of specialists with secondary medical education

Medsestra (Nurse) ◽

10.33920/med-05-2001-01 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 5-13

Author(s):

L. Guseva

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Modern Society ◽

Progressive Increase ◽

Professional Activity ◽

Infected People ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

The article considers urgent problem of modern society – progressive increase in the number of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Epidemiological characteristics of the pathogen are given, clinical signs of the disease and a modern strategy aimed at reducing the number of infected people are presented. The role of specialists with secondary medical education in the implementation of the Strategy aimed at combating the spread of HIV infection epidemic in the Russian Federation is emphasized.

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Considerations of the technological quality assessment of sugarbeet

Sugar Industry ◽

10.36961/si11041 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 85-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giorgio Pezzi

Keyword(s):

Quality Parameters ◽

Northern Italy ◽

Glucose Content ◽

Long Term Storage ◽

Interesting Correlation ◽

Technological Quality ◽

Thick Juice

No real improvement in the technological quality of beet has been recorded over the last 15 years in Northern Italy. Among the possible explanations for the quality stagnation is that the traditional formulae cannot correctly differentiate between sugarbeet varieties which produce thick juice of very high purity. This seems to be connected with the role of potassium. The use of a standard purification procedure gives reliable and accurate data which is immediately comparable with the factory data. Research projects on medium/long term storage are currently being performed by Co.Pro.B., Italy, in cooperation with Syngenta and Beta. Up to now the results have shown that storage of sugarbeet in autumn time in northern Italy is possible provided that suitable varieties and proper handling of the roots are employed. Results obtained in the storage trials are reported. Correlations have been found between quality parameters (purity, color and lime salts) of the purified juice with the glucose content of the raw juice. An interesting correlation is reported between purified juice purity and raw juice purity.

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Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10010047 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 47

Author(s):

Giovanni Franzo ◽

Michele Drigo ◽

Matteo Legnardi ◽

Laura Grassi ◽

Maria Luisa Menandro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Northern Italy ◽

Porcine Circovirus ◽

Swine Industry ◽

Positive Interaction ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Swine Population ◽

Clinical Conditions

Differently from alpha- and betaherpesviruses affecting swine, interest in the recently discovered Suid gammaherpesvirus 3, Suid gammaherpesvirus 4, and Suid gammaherpesvirus 5, also known as porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, and PLHV-3), has largely focused on their role as potential zoonotic agents in cases of xenotransplantation. However, their role as primary pathogens of swine or as co-factors for other lymphotropic infections has essentially been neglected. The present study aims at filling this gap, evaluating the association between PLHVs infection and different clinical conditions and/or porcine circovirus (PCV) co-infection. One hundred seventy-six samples were obtained from different animals located in a high-density pig area of Northern Italy in the period 2017–2020. The presence of PLHVs and PCVs was tested and quantified by specific real-time PCR: PLHVs were widespread among pigs (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, and PLHV-3 prevalence was 28.97%, 10.79%, and 4.54%, respectively) and detected in all considered tissues and clinical conditions. Frequent co-infections were also observed among PLHVs and with PCVs, although a significant association was not detected with the exception of a positive interaction between PLHV-1 and PLHV-3, and a negative one between PLHV-2 and PCV-2. Significantly, no association between PLHVs, alone or in co-infection, emerged with any of the considered clinical signs, their frequency being comparable between healthy and diseased animals. Based on these pieces of evidence and despite their high prevalence, PLHVs’ relevance for the swine industry appears negligible, either as primary pathogens or as predisposing factors for circovirus-induced diseases.

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Selenium and Dogs: A Systematic Review

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020418 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 418

Author(s):

Viola Zentrichová ◽

Alena Pechová ◽

Simona Kovaříková

Keyword(s):

Male Fertility ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Complex Data ◽

Selenium Status ◽

Dog Food ◽

Balanced Diet ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Correct Function ◽

Indirect Assay

The intent of this review is to summarize the knowledge about selenium and its function in a dog’s body. For this purpose, systematic literature search was conducted. For mammals, including dogs, a balanced diet and sufficient intake of selenium are important for correct function of metabolism. As for selenium poisoning, there are no naturally occurring cases known. Nowadays, we do not encounter clinical signs of its deficiency either, but it can be subclinical. For now, the most reliable method of assessing selenium status of a dog is measuring serum or plasma levels. Levels in full blood can be measured too, but there are no reference values. The use of glutathione peroxidase as an indirect assay is questionable in canines. Commercial dog food manufactures follow recommendations for minimal and maximal selenium levels and so dogs fed commercial diets should have balanced intake of selenium. For dogs fed home-made diets, complex data are missing. However, subclinical deficiency seems to affect, for example, male fertility or recovery from parasitical diseases. Very interesting is the role of selenium in prevention and treatment of cancer.

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The Role of Faults in Groundwater Circulation before and after Seismic Events: Insights from Tracers, Water Isotopes and Geochemistry

Water ◽

10.3390/w13111499 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 1499

Author(s):

Davide Fronzi ◽

Francesco Mirabella ◽

Carlo Cardellini ◽

Stefano Caliro ◽

Stefano Palpacelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preferential Flow ◽

Central Italy ◽

Tracer Tests ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Fault System ◽

Tectonic Structures ◽

Fault Systems ◽

Isotopic Analyses ◽

Before And After

The interaction between fluids and tectonic structures such as fault systems is a much-discussed issue. Many scientific works are aimed at understanding what the role of fault systems in the displacement of deep fluids is, by investigating the interaction between the upper mantle, the lower crustal portion and the upraising of gasses carried by liquids. Many other scientific works try to explore the interaction between the recharge processes, i.e., precipitation, and the fault zones, aiming to recognize the function of the abovementioned structures and their capability to direct groundwater flow towards preferential drainage areas. Understanding the role of faults in the recharge processes of punctual and linear springs, meant as gaining streams, is a key point in hydrogeology, as it is known that faults can act either as flow barriers or as preferential flow paths. In this work an investigation of a fault system located in the Nera River catchment (Italy), based on geo-structural investigations, tracer tests, geochemical and isotopic recharge modelling, allows to identify the role of the normal fault system before and after the 2016–2017 central Italy seismic sequence (Mmax = 6.5). The outcome was achieved by an integrated approach consisting of a structural geology field work, combined with GIS-based analysis, and of a hydrogeological investigation based on artificial tracer tests and geochemical and isotopic analyses.

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P88 Paroxysmal sympathetic storm and the role of beta-blockers in traumatic brain injury: a scoping review protocol

BJS Open ◽

10.1093/bjsopen/zrab032.087 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Stéphane Nguembu ◽

Marco Meloni ◽

Geneviève Endalle ◽

Hugues Dokponou ◽

Olaoluwa Ezekiel Dada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Glasgow Coma Scale ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Beta Blockers ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽

Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity

Abstract Introduction Most cases of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) result from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Little is known about its pathophysiology and treatment, and several neuroprotective drugs are used including beta-blockers. The aim of our study is to collate existing evidence of the role of beta-blockers in the treatment of PSH. Method We will search MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The search terms used will cover the following terms: “paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity”, “traumatic brain injury” and “beta-blockers.”: No language or geographical restrictions will be applied. Two independent co-authors will screen the titles and abstracts of each article following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. If there is a conflict the two reviewers will find a consensus and if they cannot a third co-author will decide. Using a pre-designed and pre-piloted data extraction form, data from each included citation will be collected (authors identification, study type, TBI severity, type of beta-blockers used, dosage of the drug, clinical signs of PSH, Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, mortality, morbidity and length of stay). Simple descriptive data analyses will be performed and the results will be presented both in a narrative and tabular form. Results The effectiveness of beta-blockers in post-TBI PHS will be evaluated through clinical signs of PHS(increased heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and sweating), Glasgow Coma Scale, and Glasgow Outcome Scale. mortality, morbidity and length of stay. Conclusion At the end of this scoping review we will design a systematic review with metaanalysis if there are a reasonable number of studies otherwise we will design a randomized controlled trial.

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Proteomics and metabolomics studies exploring the pathophysiology of renal dysfunction in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and other ciliopathies

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfz121 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (11) ◽

pp. 1853-1861 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Miriam Zacchia ◽

Emanuela Marchese ◽

Elena Martina Trani ◽

Marianna Caterino ◽

Giovanna Capolongo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Kidney Disease ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Research Area ◽

Clinical Proteomics ◽

Clinical Feature ◽

Physiological Importance ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Human Disorders ◽

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney

Abstract The primary cilium (PC) was considered as a vestigial organelle with no significant physiological importance, until the discovery that PC perturbation disturbs several signalling pathways and results in the dysfunction of a variety of organs. Genetic studies have demonstrated that mutations affecting PC proteins or its anchoring structure, the basal body, underlie a class of human disorders (known as ciliopathies) characterized by a constellation of clinical signs. Further investigations have demonstrated that the PC is involved in a broad range of biological processes, in both developing and mature tissues. Kidney disease is a common clinical feature of cilia disorders, supporting the hypothesis of a crucial role of the PC in kidney homoeostasis. Clinical proteomics and metabolomics are an expanding research area. Interestingly, the application of these methodologies to the analysis of urine, a biological sample that can be collected in a non-invasive fashion and possibly in large amounts, makes these studies feasible also in patients. The present article describes the most recent proteomic and metabolomic studies exploring kidney dysfunction in the setting of ciliopathies, showing the potential of these methodologies in the elucidation of disease pathophysiology and in the discovery of biomarkers.

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Importance and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mycoplasma bovis in Clinical Respiratory Disease in Feedlot Calves

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11051470 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1470

Author(s):

Ana García-Galán ◽

Juan Seva ◽

Ángel Gómez-Martín ◽

Joaquín Ortega ◽

Francisco Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Disease ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Antimicrobial Treatment ◽

Mycoplasma Bovis ◽

Bacterial Disease ◽

Feedlot Calves ◽

Fixed Panel

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an important viral and/or bacterial disease that mainly affects feedlot calves. The involvement of Mycoplasma bovis in BRD can lead to chronic pneumonia poorly responsive to antimicrobial treatment. Caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia is a pulmonary lesion typically associated with M. bovis. In Spain, M. bovis is widely distributed in the feedlots and circulating isolates are resistant to most antimicrobials in vitro. However, the role of this species in clinical respiratory disease of feedlot calves remains unknown. Furthermore, available data are relative to a fixed panel of antimicrobials commonly used to treat BRD, but not to the specific set of antimicrobials that have been used for treating each animal. This study examined 23 feedlot calves raised in southeast Spain (2016–2019) with clinical signs of respiratory disease unresponsive to treatment. The presence of M. bovis was investigated through bacteriology (culture and subsequent PCR), histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The pathogen was found in 86.9% (20/23) of the calves, mainly in the lungs (78.26%; 18/23). Immunohistochemistry revealed M. bovis antigens in 73.9% (17/23) of the calves in which caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia was the most frequent lesion (16/17). Minimum inhibitory concentration assays confirmed the resistance of a selection of 12 isolates to most of the antimicrobials specifically used for treating the animals in vivo. These results stress the importance of M. bovis in the BRD affecting feedlot calves in Spain.

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