Research Note: Oxidative stress and immune response following the administration of live attenuated Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccination in backyard chicken.

In the present study, we investigated a possible relationship between the immune response and the oxidative stress (OS) state trend in a group of 12 chickens after intraocular administration of an attenuated Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine. Blood samples were collected at the vaccination time (T0), after 14 (T1) and 21 d (T2). White blood cell count (WBC), differential leucocyte count, and anti-MG antibodies titer (S/P) were studied as immune response indexes. As plasmatic OS biomarkers levels, we considered malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen metabolites derived compounds (d-ROMs), the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and superoxide anion (O2-). After antigenic stimulation, it was observed a significant decrease in monocythemia and a significant increase in thrombocythemia, S/P, MDA, and SOD. Furthermore, subjects with high d-ROMs levels at T0 tended to develop higher cellular mobilization with increases in WBC and lymphocytes accompanied by lower antibody release. It was also observed that the antioxidant components FRAP and SOD were moderately positively correlated to the entity of antibody response.

The effects of nanoplastics on adipose stromal cells from swine tissues.

Plastic is one of the main sources of marine and terrestrial pollution. This material can fragment into micro- (<-5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs) (<100 nm) following degradation. Animals are exposed to these particles by ingesting contaminated food, respiration or filtration, and transdermally. In organisms, NPs can cross biological membranes, and cause oxidative stress, cell damage, apoptosis, and endocrine interference. We previously demonstrated that polystyrene - NPs interfered with ovarian cell functions. Since reproduction involves a high energy expenditure and a crucial role is played by adipose tissue, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NPs on primary adipose stromal cells (ASCs) isolated from swine adipose tissues. In particular, the effects on cell viability, proliferation, metabolic activity, inflammatory process mediators and oxidative stress markers were assessed. The obtained results did not reveal a significant variation in cell proliferation, metabolic activity was increased (P < 0.01) but only at the lowest concentration, while viability showed a significant decrease after prolonged exposure to NPs (P < 0.01). TNF-α was increased (P < 0.05), while PAI-1 was inhibited (P < 0.001). Redox status was significantly modified; in particular, the production of O2-, H2O2 and NO was stimulated (P < 0.05), the non-enzymatic antioxidant power was reduced (P < 0.05) while catalase activity was significantly (P < 0.01) increased.

Sildenafil improves clinical signs and radiographic features in dogs with congenital idiopathic megaoesophagus: a randomised controlled trial.

We evaluated the efficacy of oral sildenafil citrate in dogs with congenital idiopathic megaoesophagus (CIM). Twenty-one puppies were randomly assigned to two groups (treatment and control). The dogs were given sildenafil oral suspension 1 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14 days or placebo in a masked fashion. Clinical signs (frequency of regurgitation and weight gain) and oesophagrams (relative oesophageal diameter, ROD) were evaluated in order to assess the efficacy of drug treatment, by examiners who were unaware of the study protocol. In addition, a set of in vitro experiments on isolated samples of canine lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) was performed, and the effects of increasing concentrations of sildenafil on basal tone and electrically-stimulated motility were assessed. Sildenafil administration significantly reduced the number of regurgitation episodes (0.88±1.40 v 2.65±1.56, P<0.0001) and significantly increased weight gain in the treated dogs compared to controls (79.76±28.30 per cent v 53.40±19.30 per cent, P=0.034). ROD values, at the end of the treatment period, were significantly decreased in the sildenafil group, compared to pre-treatment values (0.97±0.19 v 0.24±0.14, P<0.0001), in contrast to control subjects (0.98±0.17 v 1.10±0.25, P=0.480). In accordance with the in vivo findings, sildenafil dose-dependently reduced basal tone and increased electrically-induced relaxation of dog LOS samples. These results suggest that sildenafil citrate helps ameliorate clinical and radiographic signs in dogs with CIM by reducing LOS tone, and could represent a novel therapeutic tool for the treatment of this disease.

Doxycycline levels and anti-Wolbachia antibodies in sera from dogs experimentally infected with Dirofilaria immitis and treated with a combination of ivermectin/doxycycline.

Sera from Dirofilaria immitis-experimentally infected dogs treated with a combination of ivermectin/doxycycline were analysed for doxycycline levels by HPLC and anti-Wolbachia Surface Protein (rWSP) antibodies by ELISA and compared with sera from dogs treated with doxycycline alone. Results show that doxycycline levels were not statistically different between the two groups. Circulating anti-WSP antibody titres were markedly lower in both treatment groups when compared to control D. immitis infected dogs, indicating that doxycycline is able to reduce Wolbachia and prevent the immune response against the bacteria. The combination treatment protocol has been shown to be highly adulticidal and further studies are needed to better understand the interaction between doxycycline and ivermectin in D. immitis infected dogs.

Pharmacological characterization of muscarinic receptors in the contractions of isolated bronchi in the horse.

We investigated the effects of nonselective muscarinic antagonist (atropine) and of selective muscarinic subtype 1 (M1), 2 (M2), 3 (M3) antagonists (VU0255035, methoctramine, pFHHSiD, respectively) on the contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) or by exogenous ACh in isolated horse bronchial muscle. Atropine completely inhibited neurogenic contractions in a concentration-dependent fashion, whereas selective muscarinic antagonists induced relevant modifications only at the highest concentration tested. Experiments with selective muscarinic antagonists in combination showed that only the simultaneous blockade of M1 /M3 or M2 /M3 receptors was able to induce a nearly complete suppression of contractions. The contractions induced by exogenous ACh were competitively antagonized only by atropine (pA2 = 9.01 ± 0.05). M3 selective antagonist, up to 10(-6) m, caused a moderate concentration-dependent rightward shift of ACh curve (pA2 = 7.96 ± 0.10). These data show that M3 muscarinic receptors possess a central role in mediating cholinergic contraction of horse bronchi, while M1 and M2 receptors seem to have a cooperative role. Selective muscarinic antagonists seem unlikely to be useful against bronchoconstriction associated with airway diseases in horses. Conversely, compounds with selectivity for both M1 and M3 receptors could be as effective as traditional anticholinergics and induce fewer cardiac side effects.

Inhibition of motility in isolated horse small intestine is mediated by κ but not µ opioid receptors.

The effects of preferential µ (morphine), selective µ (fentanyl), selective κ (compound U69593) opioid receptor agonists, and nonselective (naloxone) and selective µ (naloxonazine) antagonists on equine small intestinal motility were evaluated in vitro. Samples of circular muscle from equine jejunum were placed in isolated organ baths and drug-induced modifications of both spontaneous and electrically evoked contractile activity were measured. None of the opioid agonists induced a significant change in spontaneous contractions. Fentanyl and U69593 reduced electrically induced contractions, whereas morphine reduced them only slightly. Naloxone competitively antagonised U69593, but both naloxone and naloxonazine were unable to counteract the inhibition of contractions induced by fentanyl. The inhibition of contractions shown by fentanyl is therefore probably not mediated by opioid receptors, but due to an anticholinergic activity of this drug. In summary, these data showed an inhibitory effect exerted by κ receptors on equine small intestinal motility, whereas the role of µ receptors seemed marginal and would need further characterisation.

Use of Silybum marianum fruit extract in broiler chicken nutrition: influence on performance and meat quality.

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of different doses of silymarin in diet on broiler performances and meat quality. For the trial, 180 male chicks (ROSS 508), were allocated in to three groups (S0, S40 and S80) of 60 animals each receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0 ppm, 40 ppm and 80 ppm of a sylimarin (provided by a dry extract of Silybum marianum fruits) respectively. During the trial feed consumption and live body weight were taken every 20 days. At the age of 40 and 60 days blood samples were taken in order to evaluate protein, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, tryglicerides and uric acid. At the age of 60 days animals were slaughtered, dressing percentages were evaluated and samples of breast and meat were taken to evaluate chemical composition and susceptibility of lipid peroxidation by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Silymarin at the tested doses did not affect growth performances but slightly affected slaughtering yields negatively, no specific hepatoprotective effect was found. Treatments reduced lipid content of both breast and thigh and increased muscles resistance to oxidative stress.

[Treatment of parapneumonic empyema in children]. / Trattamento dell'empiema parapneumonico in età pediatrica.

A 31 case series of pleuropneumonia is presented, in a 7 year period. All patients were treated following same standards consisting of a pleural catheter insertion. Results support conservative treatment: short hospitalization and absence of psychological or physical traumas was achieved. Follow up is very good for all patients and none had invalidating consequences.

Neurotensin localization in adenomatoid cystic malformation versus normal lung: preliminary report of six consecutive cases.

Neuropeptides are considered a new class of neurotransmitters, several of which interact with the immune system as well as the macrophagic activity. Among these, neurotensin (NT) enhances the phagocitic response of macrophages and is the only neuropeptide that can enhance the cytolytic effects of activated macrophages. In this way, it may play a role as an inflammatory mediator. In order to investigate the possible relationship between NT and the defence mechanisms of the lung, we started to localize the presence of NT in pulmonary adenomatoid cystic malformation (CCAM). This series consists of 6 children affected by CCAM. In every case, at operation, we obtained specimens of both normal and pathological lung. Tissue sections from the pathological lung showed a significant increase of NT-like immunoreactivity in respect to sections of normal lung. NT influences and activates the macrophages, thus suggesting that it could represent a defence mechanism in children's lung activated in some malformative conditions. Finally, the increasing evidence of NT immunoreactivity in CCAM could explicate an in utero infectious pathogenesis of this malformation.

[Interstitial pulmonary emphysema. Combined therapeutic approach in a retrospective multidisciplinary study]. / Enfisema polmonare interstiziale. Una strategia terapeutica combinata in uno studio retrospettivo multidisciplinare.

Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) may occur spontaneously, as a complication of endotracheal tube displacement, intrauterine viral pneumonia or massive aspiration of formula. Nevertheless PIE occurs more frequently in neonates requiring mechanical ventilation for RDS. Untoward effects of large air collections in the extra-alveolar spaces are based on decreased perfusion and ventilation of the affected lung tissues, compression of adjacent pulmonary parenchyma and mediastinum, possible air embolism. Sometimes PIE spontaneously regress, but in some instances the process is self perpetuating, leading to an "air block syndrome". Fourteen (19.4%) of 72 infants ventilated for RDS in a three-year period had radiological evidence of PIE during the first few days of life. All 5 bilateral, 7 diffuse and 2 localized cases were treated with "vigorous pulmonary therapy". In addition to these procedures, 4 neonates were submitted to a selective bronchial intubation (SBI) and 5 different infants improved after HFV. No one of our patients underwent a surgical procedure. Infants with fine linear hyperlucencies improved sooner. All pneumothoraces (7 of 14) were preceded by X-ray appearances of PIE. Three neonates died. Mortality was observed in newborns with bilateral PIE, because of an intraventricular hemorrhage in two and an intractable under tension pneumothorax in one patient. Plain chest roentgenograms, histological pictures and treatment modalities of PIE remain separated from these considered for congenital lobar emphysema, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, bronchogenic cyst or lung sequestration. Surgical treatment of PIE is not as universally accepted as in congenital cystic lesions of the lung, in which it's mandatory.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis with ceftazidime in pediatric surgery]. / Antibioticoprofilassi con ceftazidime in chirurgia pediatrica.

The authors report their experience with Ceftazidime in surgical prophylaxis in childhood. 50 patients have been treated, suffering from surgical diseases, with 100 mg/kg of Ceftazidime in 3 doses (1 before, 1 after 6 hrs and 1 after 12 hrs from surgery). No side effects were observed and in no case was it necessary to discontinue treatment. Both bacterial and clinical results indicate good tolerability and very rapid effectiveness of the drug. Complications were present in 3 cases (6%) (in 2 cases wound infiltration and in 1 case a Douglas abscess) but no modification in treatment was necessary. All complications were present in so-called "dirty surgery" with a relative percentage of 18.7, that is far below values reported in the literature for this kind of surgery.

[Wilms' tumor or nephroblastoma]. / Il tumore di Wilms o nefroblastoma.

Wilms' tumor represents one of the most frequent neoplastic disease of childhood: its prevalence is about 5-8 cases per million children aged less than 15 years, and its frequency ranks fourth among childhood solid tumors. Very marked improvement in the treatment of this lesion has occurred since 1942 with a 15% survival rate was reported. The modern approach to Wilms' tumor and its treatment based on the combination of surgery with chemo- and radiotherapy raised the survival rate to 80-95%, as shown by several cooperative studies performed in the United States and Europe. The nosographic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the disease are reviewed and illustrated on the basis of the diagnostic imaging and anatomical features of cases treated by the authors.

[Experience in the prophylactic use of ceftriaxone in pediatric surgery]. / Esperienze sull'uso profilattico del ceftriaxone in chirurgia pediatrica.

Authors report on their experience about ceftriaxone in surgical prophylaxis in childhood. 30 patients have been treated, suffering from surgical diseases, either thoracic or abdominal ones, including malignancies. Ceftriaxone was administered once a day; patients received ceftriaxone only once preoperatively: Results have been very satisfactory, the only two complications having been found in two severely immunocompromised patients.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of sodium piperacillin in the treatment of surgical infections in children]. / Valutazione dell'efficacia della piperacillina sodica nel trattamento delle infezioni chirurgiche pediatriche.

A clinical trial has been carried out in 40 children (age ranging from 2 to 12 years) with postsurgical infections caused by aerobic, anaerobic and facultative bacteria. All have been treated by monotherapy with sodium piperacillin, with doses of 150-200 mg/kg daily in 3 administrations. The drug was administered for a mean period of 7 days, by intravenous infusion or intramuscular route. The causative organism was eradicated in all but 4 cases (90%). Side effects observed were all of mild intensity, and in no case it was necessary to discontinue the treatment with the drug. Both bacterial and clinical results indicate a high tolerability and a very rapid effectiveness of this antibiotic.