Evolutionary adaptations in four hippoboscid fly species belonging to three different subfamilies.

Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758), Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965, Hippobosca equina Linnaeus, 1758, and Pseudolynchia canariensis (Macquart, 1840) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) are haematophagous ectoparasites that infest different mammal and bird species and occasionally attack humans. They are known for the health implications they have as vectors of pathogens to humans and animals, and for the injuries they inflict on their host's skin. This study focused on the morphological structures evolved by parasites in terms of their biology and the different environment types that they inhabit. To this aim, we examined four hippoboscid species, as well as their hosts' fur (ungulate and horse), and feather (pigeon) through light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations in order to highlight the main morphological features that evolved differently in these flies and to explain the effect of hosts' fur/feather microhabitats on the morphological specializations observed in the investigated ectoparasites. The studied species showed main convergent characters in mouthparts while remarkable differences have been detected on the antennal sensillar pattern as well as on the leg acropod that displayed divergent characters evolved in relation to the host.

Comparative morphology of the deer ked Lipoptena fortisetosa first recorded from Italy.

Hippoboscidae flies parasitize various animal species. Knowledge about these insects remains sparse, although they are known to cause stress and damage to their hosts, and can also accidentally infest humans, causing different sanitary risks. Research conducted in Tuscany assessing the biology and distribution of Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), the most common ectoparasite of ungulates in Italy, revealed the presence of Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965 in Italy for the first time. This study includes a morphological comparative description of L. cervi and L. fortisetosa, emphasizing the peculiar differences between the two species to facilitate their accurate identification. The most pertinent morphological differences between the two species are highlighted, such as the external features of the antennae, distribution of bristles, and different features in the external genitalia. In both species, scanning electron microscopy of mouthparts revealed strong adaptive convergence in the feeding apparatus. Modified palps and a very thin proboscis are described in relation to feeding behaviour.

Multidetector CT in diagnostic work-up of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting parathyroid lesions in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 60 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Preoperative first-line examinations revealed negative and doubtful ultrasound (US) findings in 34 and 26 cases, respectively, and negative, doubtful and positive scintigraphic findings in 19, 20 and 21 cases, respectively. CT findings were compared with the surgical results. RESULTS: CT examination was positive in 35 cases, negative in 15 cases and doubtful in ten cases. Forty out of 60 patients underwent surgery, and 39 lesions (37 adenomas, two primary hyperplasias) were identified. Surgery was negative in two cases. In eight cases, lesions had ectopic location. Surgery confirmed the CT findings in 23 positive cases. In 8/10 doubtful cases, surgery confirmed the location of the lesion in five cases, identified the ectopic location of lesions in two cases, and was negative in one case. In 9/15 cases with negative CT findings, surgery identified the lesion in eight cases. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy values were 78%, 25% and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT is an accurate second-line diagnostic technique in the detection of parathyroid lesions, allowing exploration of the entire cervical and mediastinal regions.

Multidetector CT of the small bowel: evaluation after oral hyperhydration with isotonic solution.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic capabilities of multidetector CT in the evaluation of the small bowel in different pathological conditions, with the use of oral hyperhydration with isotonic solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study retrospectively evaluated 106 patients who underwent multidetector CT of the small bowel. Four groups were considered on the basis of the clinical findings: group A (48 cases), with suspected or certain chronic inflammatory disease of the small bowel; group B (16 cases), with suspected neoplastic lesion of the small bowel; group C (17 cases), patients affected by malabsorption; group D (25 cases), others: 13 cases with non-specific abdominal pain, 4 cases with occult bleeding, 8 cases affected by fever of unknown origin. Thirteen patients had previously undergone surgical intestinal resection. In all cases the CT examination was performed after the oral administration of 2000 mL polyethylene glycol electrolyte balanced solution; before the scan, N-butyl scopolamine or glucagon were administered intravenously to obtain rapid inhibition of bowel peristalsis. All multidetector CT scans were acquired at baseline and 50 seconds after the I.V. administration of 110-130 ml high-concentration non-ionic iodinated contrast medium. The images were subsequently processed on a dedicated workstation (Advantage Windows 4.0, GE Medical Systems) to obtain multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). We considered the following CT findings: fold distribution, wall thickening and stratification and contrast enhancement, extraparietal involvement and abnormalities of the abdominal organs. The CT diagnoses were compared with the clinical and laboratory findings (86 cases) and with the results of barium follow-through (55 cases), ileo-colonoscopy (45 cases) or surgery (28 cases). RESULTS: CT examination allowed the correct diagnosis in 86/106 cases (89%); 20 patients were not included in the study because of a poor (11 cases) or absent (9 cases) small bowel loop distension. The final diagnoses in the 86 patients were: Crohn's disease of the small bowel (38 cases), Crohn's disease of the duodenum (1 case), granulomatous colitis (3 cases), malabsorption (8 cases), neoplastic lesion (4 cases), post-radiation conglomeration of ileal loops (1 case), intestinal lymphangiectasia (1 case), ulceration of the last ileal loop (1 case). In 29 cases no abnormalities of the small bowel were found. Spiral CT yielded 52 true positive cases, 5 false negative cases, 2 false positive cases, and 27 true negative RESULTS: The sensitivity of the technique was 91%, specificity 93% and diagnostic accuracy 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Multidetector CT of the small bowel performed after oral hyperhydration with isosmotic solution, proved to be an accurate and thorough technique. It can be considered a safe and effective alternative to conventional radiographic studies and to small bowel spiral CT enema in patients that refuse the nasojejunal balloon catheter or the administration of methylcellulose.

[A case of hydronephrosis in a newborn infant: prenatal diagnosis and treatment]. / Su di un caso di idronefrosi neonatale: diagnosi prenatale e trattamento.

Experience with the prenatal diagnosis and management of one case of left neonatal hydronephrosis is presented. The ultrasound examination allowed the prenatal diagnosis and justified neither prenatal intervention nor early delivery. The diagnosis was confirmed at the birth and was followed by an early successful conservative treatment.