Helminth fauna in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) in the province of Grosseto (central Italy).

Helminth infection was analysed at necropsy and coprology in a total of 54 roe deer from the province of Grosseto (central Italy) between 2018 - 2020. Age and sex data were recorded for each deer for a total of 31 adults (23 females, 8 males) and 23 juveniles (11 females, 12 males). The results on the small intestine (51 samples) highlighted that nematodes belonging to the species Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the most prevalent parasite (41.2 %), followed by the cestode Moniezia expansa (7.8 %). The large intestine results (52 samples) showed Trichuris spp. (53.8 %), Oesophagostomum venulosum (50 %) and Chabertia ovina (26.9 %). In the abomasum, only Ostertagia ostertagi (17.9 %) was found. Of the 34 samples analysed by bronchopulmonary, only the lung of an adult female was positive for Dictyocaulus spp. In two livers out of 33 samples analysed, nematodes of the species Setaria tundra were found on the surface. Copropositivity was observed in 45 of the 52 faecal samples analysed. The results of the present study indicate that the roe deer is host to several species of parasites, which are also common in other cervids and domestic ruminants. Statistical testing highlighted a significant difference between mean intensities in males and females.

Effects of copper on larvae of the marbled crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Decapoda, Grapsidae): Toxicity test and biochemical marker responses.

The importance of trace elements in ecotoxicological investigations is a well-known issue when monitoring polluted areas such as commercial harbors. Copper represents one of the most common metal contaminants, often detected in these areas as it is widely employed in various fields and has many sources of inflow in the marine environment. Pachygrapsus marmoratus is a widespread intertidal crab species that has been extensively studied in ecology, ethology and population genetics. Ecotoxicological studies have also been performed, exclusively on the adult stage. In the present study we investigated the mortality and biochemical (oxidative stress and neurotoxicity) responses of P. marmoratus larvae exposure to environmental relevant concentration of copper. Results showed dose-dependent responses in terms of larval mortality, with a calculated LC50 value of 0.5 mg/L of Cu2+. The LC50 concentration was used as the starting point for subsequent biochemical response evaluation. Results also demonstrated dose-dependent activation of antioxidant systems assuming a compensatory antioxidant activity to prevent higher cellular damage when larvae were exposed to the highest concentrations of copper. Moreover, a significant enhancement of neurotransmitter activities was observed, assuming a possible direct interaction of copper with the enzymes or an increase of free copper ion aliquot into the cells.

Canine filarial infections in Liguria, north-west Italy.

This paper reports the findings of a study on the presence of various species of filarial nematodes in dogs in Liguria, north-west Italy, a region traditionally considered free from the disease. Between 2009 and 2012 blood samples were taken from 365 dogs in rural areas in Liguria. The blood samples were then submitted to Knott's test, histochemical staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Dirofilaria immitis antigens. Overall, 35 of the 365 dogs were positive using Knott's test for microfilariae (prevalence 9.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.6-12.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the most prevalent species (8.0%), while Dirofilaria repens (1.4%) and Dirofilaria immitis (0.6%) were less common. One co-infection by D. repens and A. reconditum was observed. All morphological identifications were confirmed by histochemical staining and PCR. In addition, a retrospective analysis of data on D. immitis antigens in 11,363 samples of canine sera was carried out. Sera were collected and analysed for D. immitis antigens by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (Imperia section) between 2004 and 2013 during annual tests for leishmaniasis on autochthonous dogs throughout Liguria. Serological data from IZS showed an overall seroprevalence of 0.65% (95% CI: 0.50-0.80%) for D. immitis throughout the region. The present study updates the epidemiological map of canine filarial infections in Italy and suggests the need for surveillance and prophylaxis in Liguria.

Canine filarial infections in Tuscany, central Italy.

This study was conducted in order to investigate the epidemiology of filarial species in a region of central Italy (Tuscany) in dogs that did not undergo prophylaxis for filariasis. From 2007 to 2009, 630 blood samples were collected from 40 kennels throughout the regional territory. Samples were analysed with Knott's modified test and with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigens, those positive for microfilariae were also subjected to histochemical staining for acid phosphatase activity to validate the identification of the species. An overall elevated prevalence of filariasis (23.2%) was found. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens were found to be the dominant species, with similar prevalences (12.5% and 12.1% respectively), while Acanthocheilonema reconditum was less common (1.9%). Results of this study indicate that monitoring for filariasis should be kept at a high level. A constant monitoring of the canine sanitary status should also be carried out for the protection of human health, considering the zoonotic potential of filarial worms.

Intracardiac Doppler assessment of left valve inflow in first-trimester fetuses with increased nuchal translucency: preliminary observations in trisomy 21.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a qualitative assessment of the pulsed Doppler waveform profile at the level of left atrioventricular valve inflow in first-trimester fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT), in order to compare those with trisomy 21 and those with normal karyotype. METHODS: This was a review of 285 consecutive fetuses with increased NT. Pulsed Doppler velocity waveforms of left atrioventricular valve inflow were recorded. The E-wave, A-wave and velocity profile in the aorta were displayed. Cases were classified into two patterns: Pattern A included those in which the E-wave velocity crossed the A-wave before the baseline in all waveforms; Pattern B included those in which the lowest E-wave velocity crossed the baseline but not the A-wave in at least one of the profiles. The karyotype was determined and the frequency of occurrence of Patterns A or B in fetuses with normal karyotype and those with trisomy 21 were compared. RESULTS: Of the 285 cases, 230 were assigned to Pattern A and 55 to Pattern B. There were 47 cases of trisomy 21, 22 had other chromosomal abnormalities, and 212 had a normal karyotype; in four cases the karyotype was unknown. Among the 212 karyotypically normal fetuses, five had heart defects, five had other structural defects, three suffered spontaneous intrauterine death and one was terminated. Pattern A was found in 200/212 (94.3%) cases with normal karyotype, in 12/47 (25.5%) cases with trisomy 21, and in 17/22 (77.3%) cases with other chromosomal abnormalities. Pattern B was found in 12/212 (5.7%) cases with normal karyotype, in 35/47 (74.5%) cases with trisomy 21 (chi-square test, P < 0.001), and in 5/22 (22.7%) cases with other chromosomal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Intracardiac Doppler qualitative assessment of left valve inflow in first-trimester fetuses with increased NT shows differences between normal and trisomy 21 fetuses, probably reflecting differences in myocardial function.

Fetal cells in maternal blood: a six-fold increase in women who have undergone amniocentesis and carry a fetus with Down syndrome: a multicenter study.

Fetal nucleated red blood cells (FNRBCs) circulate in the maternal blood throughout pregnancy. Even if the frequency of fetal cells in the maternal circulation remains to be ascertained, complications of pregnancy such as fetal cells aneuploidies, preeclampsia, abnormal Doppler of the uterine artery without symptoms of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and polyhydramnios are associated with an increased feto-maternal trafficking. Based on these observations, previous studies have suggested that determination of the fetal nucleated red blood cell count (FNRBCC) might be a useful non-invasive screening test, either alone or in combination with existing maternal tests, for the non-invasive assessment of aneuploidies, in particular Down syndrome (DS). In this paper we have evaluated the distribution of FNRBCC in a set of 18 normal pregnancies and 18 pregnancies with a trisomy 21-affected fetus, matching for gestational age, maternal age, and, when possible, fetal gender, in order to quantify the difference in the number of fetal cells between the two populations. Maternal blood was collected from each pregnant woman two to three weeks after amniocentesis after knowing the cytogenetic results. Correlation of FNRBCC with the gestational week and clinical status (affected vs. non affected) by multiple regression analysis provided significant results (p < 0.001). Adjusted values of FNRBCC were 48 +/- 10.2 in controls and 301 +/- 17.01 in DS cases, corresponding to a 6.27 fold increase. These retrospective results prompt a prospective evaluation of the use of FNRBCC for screening purposes.

Safety of azamethiphos in eel, seabass and trout.

The safety of azamethiphos (AZA), an organophosphorous insecticide and the active ingredient of Salmosan, was evaluated in the European eel, seabass and rainbow trout. Fish were bathed in 0.1 ppm AZA for a period of 60, 120 or 240 min. After termination of each treatment fish were transferred to clean aquaria and randomly sampled over 21 days. Compared to controls, brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was inhibited up to 44, 56 and 62% in eels, seabass and trout, respectively, with the inhibition being significant for up to 4 days in eels and seabass and 7 days in trout. As result of the AChE depression, fish displayed motor hyperactivity and erratic jumping at the onset of treatment. Mortality was observed only in trout following exposure for 240 min. A variable correlation observed among species between the level of exposure, the reduced activity of brain AChE and the signs of toxicity suggest that brain AChE should be considered as an indicator of exposure rather than as an index of toxicity of AZA. The present data indicate that at the therapeutic dosage of 0.1 ppm AZA for 1h can be safely used in eels, seabass and trout. The extended treatment times up to 240 min were equally safe for eels and seabass but not for trout.

Antigenicity of Pseudodactylogyrus anguillae and P. bini (Monogenea) in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla, L.) under different oxygenation conditions.

The antibody response of European eels (Anguilla anguilla, L.) to the branchial parasites Pseudodactylogyrus anguillae and P. bini under hyperoxygenation conditions was studied. The antigenic fractions of parasites were detected by means of electrophoretic techniques (SDS-PAGE) and by Western blot analysis. The results obtained demonstrate that under hyperoxygenation conditions, the eels responded to a greater number of proteins, and this was correlated with a decrease in the level of infestation.

Twin pregnancy achieved through TESE in an adult male exstrophy.

Bladder exstrophy is a rare anomaly, it compromises bladder functions, and in males it occurs with an impairment of reproductive functions, because of erectile and ejaculatory deficit. Advancements in the surgical treatment of bladder exstrophy have allowed an improvement of the bladder functions while spontaneous conception is still impaired. This is a case report of a pregnancy and subsequent birth of twins following testicular sperm extraction, on a man born with classical bladder exstrophy with infertility due to an ejaculation.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome with cardiac failure.

This report describes the prenatal sonographic diagnosis of a case of Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome. The sonographic appearance of this disorder was characterized by the presence of multiple distorted cystic areas involving the right leg and abdomen and cardiomegaly with early fetal heart failure. Despite the prenatal detection of the extensive cutaneous and visceral involvement, the infant died soon after birth of high-output cardiac failure and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

Nuchal translucency and the acceptance of invasive prenatal chromosomal diagnosis in women aged 35 and older.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of nuchal translucency screening on use of prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal abnormalities in women aged 35 and older. METHODS: Two groups of women, referred to our center for prenatal karyotype diagnosis because of maternal age, were compared: one in 1995 and the other in 1999 after the introduction of nuchal translucency measurement. Each woman received nondirective genetic counseling, and for the 1999 group, nuchal translucency results were also discussed. Risks of transabdominal chorionic villi sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis, laboratory techniques, genetic results, and local experiences were discussed. Patient's decision to undergo prenatal diagnosis, acceptance of the nuchal translucency test (in the 1999 group), and the rate of chromosomal abnormalities diagnosed by transabdominal CVS and amniocentesis, were considered. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-one of 982 (22%) women in the 1995 group and 421 of 1386 (30%) in the 1999 group, after nondirective genetic counseling declined invasive diagnosis (P <.05). In the 1999 cohort, 1088 of 1089 (99.9%) women of appropriate gestational age had nuchal translucency measurement. Among women seen in 1995, 214 opted for transabdominal CVS (31%) and 476 (69%) for amniocentesis. Nineteen abnormal karyotypes were detected, six by transabdominal CVS and 13 (68.5%) by amniocentesis. In 1999, 266 women (29%) opted for transabdominal CVS and 650 (71%) for amniocentesis. Twenty abnormal karyotypes were detected, 13 (65%) by transabdominal CVS and seven (35%) by amniocentesis (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Knowledge of nuchal translucency could lead to a decrease in the demand for invasive diagnosis and to a more frequent diagnosis by first-trimester transabdominal CVS.

Fetal nuchal translucency screening in 12495 pregnancies in Sardinia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the distribution of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in normal and chromosomally abnormal fetuses in Sardinia and to determine the effectiveness of screening by a combination of fetal nuchal translucency and maternal age. METHODS: Fetal nuchal translucency thickness and crown-rump length were measured at 10-14 weeks of gestation in 12 495 pregnancies. A reference range of fetal nuchal translucency thickness for crown-rump length was determined from the 10 001 singleton pregnancies with known normal pregnancy outcome. The median nuchal translucency thickness for crown-rump length was determined by regression analysis of the calculated median values of nuchal translucency thickness for each 0.1 mm interval in crown-rump length. The proportions of unaffected fetuses and those with trisomy 21 or other chromosomal defects with nuchal translucency thickness > 1.5 and 2.0 multiples of the regressed normal median for crown-rump length were calculated. The distribution of estimated risks based on maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness according to The Fetal Medicine Foundation software were also determined and the sensitivity and false-positive rates were calculated. RESULTS: In the 10 001 normal pregnancies, the median fetal nuchal translucency thickness increased with crown-rump length (median nuchal translucency thickness = 0.3496 + 0.018 x crown-rump length) (r2 = 0.4411). In the singleton pregnancies, there were 64 fetuses with trisomy 21 and 46 with other chromosomal defects. The fetal nuchal translucency thickness was > 1.5 multiples of the median in 510 (5%) of the normal fetuses, in 52 (81%) of the trisomy 21 fetuses and in 33 (72%) of those with other chromosomal defects. The respective values for nuchal translucency thickness > 2.0 multiples of the median were 195 (2%), 41 (64%) and 32 (70%). In 184 multiple pregnancies, there were four fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities and in three of these the nuchal translucency thickness was > 1.5 multiples of the median. Screening by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness with a risk cut-off of 1 in 300 identified 90% of trisomy 21 pregnancies and 85% of all other chromosomal defects for a false-positive rate of 9%. CONCLUSION: Screening for chromosomal defects by measurement of nuchal translucency thickness identifies 80% of fetuses with trisomy 21 for a false-positive rate of 5%. In our population with a median maternal age of 33 years, screening by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness with a risk cut-off of 1 in 300 identified 90% of trisomy 21 pregnancies for a false-positive rate of 9%.

Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: a report of 26 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sonographic appearances and prenatal natural history of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. METHODS: In each case a detailed examination of the thoracic lesion and a complete fetal survey was performed. The pregnancies that elected to continue were followed to term. RESULTS: A total of 26 cases were identified. The pregnancy was electively terminated in nine cases (35%). All the remaining 17 pregnancies ended in liveborn infants (100%). The lesion disappeared completely in three fetuses (18%). Of the 14 infants in whom the lesion was confirmed at birth nine required surgery in the neonatal or post-natal period. Five children did not undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management appears to be an adequate medical practice in cases of isolated congenital unilateral cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, in the absence of hydrops and/or acute polyhydramnios.